AFA men's basketball: Falcons staying grounded

Air Force's first half of the Mountain West Conference season has been trying - to say the least.

After eight games, the Falcons rank last in the league in a slew of major categories: scoring offense (48.8 points - 15.4 points behind the teams tied for seventh), field-goal percentage (37.6 percent - all other teams are shooting 43.5 percent or better), 3-point field-goal percentage (28.5 percent), free-throw percentage (57.7), rebounding margin (minus-7.5), assists (9.3) and steals (3.8).

But there have been some glimmers of hope.

Here are The Gazette's awards for the first half of conference play and a quick look at the second half:

MVP - F Matt Holland
In league play, Holland leads the team with 12.1 points per game on 47.1 percent shooting (best among players who have attempted 19 or more shots), including a team-high 42.6 percent from 3-point range. The 6-foot-6 senior easily has been the team's most consistent player, shooting 50 percent or better in five league games and scoring in double figures in five games.

Top newcomer - C Sammy Schafer
Thought to be too raw and not physically ready to contribute when he arrived, the 6-10 freshman worked his way into the rotation and on Tuesday made his first start, scoring a career-high 12 points and matching his career-high with four rebounds.

While he still has much to improve, specifically his strength and stamina, he's provided an inside presence, a skilled passer in the high post and - perhaps most importantly - an injection of enthusiasm. For a team with a collective countenance that reflects a nine-game losing streak, the smiling, fist-pumping, clapping, always-positive Schafer is a welcome sight.

Worst loss - Utah
Unfortunately for Falcon fans, there have been too many from which to choose. The largest was to New Mexico (25 points) and the most heartbreaking was TCU (Air Force led by two with 97 seconds left but lost by three). But the worst had to be the 57-36 home loss to the Utes. Air Force made only 23.8 percent of its shots (10-of-42, including 2-of-19 3-point tries) and was outrebounded by 21.

Most heartening performance - BYU
Three freshmen starting seemed to inject some life into a team that coach Jeff Reynolds said did not play with enough effort and energy three days before against UNLV. The Falcons actually led the two-time defending league champs 45-43 with 10 minutes to play before collapsing.

Most puzzling stat - free-throw percentage
All of Air Force's shooting percentages have plummeted since MWC play began. Facing better defenses might explain the percentages from the floor, but how does a team that shot 70.4 percent from the line in November and December shoot 57.7 percent since?

Best chance for a win - Feb. 21 vs. Colorado State
Air Force plays five of the league's top six teams on the road in the second half (San Diego State, Utah, TCU, UNLV and BYU) so a victory away from Clune is unlikely. The Rams appear to be the best target.