Henke boosts Air Force to win in home basketball tourney
At this rate, Andrew Henke never will become a starter.
The Air Force swingman was the first player off the bench last season when the Falcons were stacked with seniors. Now Air Force’s second-most-experienced player, he is still a reserve.
“You’re used to coming off the bench and giving us a spark. Let’s don’t shake that right now,” first-year coach Jeff Reynolds said he told Henke before Friday’s season-opening win over Dartmouth.
Nothing was shaken Saturday as Henke again proved reliable as a sixth man, lifting the Falcons past Northern Colorado 71-62 in the Air Force Classic championship game before an announced crowd of 2,349 at Clune Arena.
In the consolation game, Dartmouth shot 52.1 percent, forced 15 turnovers and got 19 points and 15 rebounds from Alex Barnett for a 98-87 win over Virginia Military Institute.
Henke scored 14 points, including 12 in the first half, and grabbed a career-high seven rebounds. Tim Anderson set a career high with 26 points on 6-of-12 shooting from 3-point range. Anwar Johnson overcame a sore groin to score 10 points.
Air Force recorded its 36th consecutive home nonconference victory and won its first-ever regular-season tournament at Clune Arena. The Falcons have won 58 of their past 60 home games.
After replacing Johnson with 16:36 left in the first half, Henke discovered his touch by scoring 10 straight points.
He nailed a 3-pointer from the top of the key on a pass from Anderson, then scored back-to-back baskets on drives to the hoop. His second 3-pointer gave Air Force a 22-12 lead with 7:37 left in the half.
“I hope I don’t have to jump-start the offense every game like that,” said Henke, who was named to an All-Tournament team that featured Anderson as MVP. “I feel very comfortable coming in and bringing some energy and hitting shots. If they need me to bring that spark, that’s what I’m going to bring.”
The Falcons shot 47.6 percent after shooting 53.7 percent in a 67-38 win over Dartmouth. They were 21 for 25 from the free-throw line.
Northern Colorado shot 36.4 percent and committed 16 turnovers that led to 16 Air Force points.
Air Force took a 36-23 lead into halftime on a 12-7 run capped by Anderson’s 3-pointer with five seconds remaining. UNC threatened early in the second half but never got closer than seven points.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0256 or brian.gomez@gazette.com.
