So, we talked in this space about Air Force taking the next step with its basketball program by beating a good team on the road. So they roll in to Fresno State and come out with a 3 point win. After taking care of San Jose State next Saturday, the next challenge awaits-winning 3 straight this season. That opportunity is Saturday in Wyoming against the Cowboys, who lost at Fresno State Wednesday night. This team’s confidence has grown. Part of the reason is Lavelle Scottie. He has been on fire the last 3 weeks of the season and should have been named the Conference Player of the Week this week. But more than points, Scottie has been vocal on the floor with his teammates. He and Chris Joyce got into each others grill Saturday following a defensive breakdown. He challenged AJ Walker after he missed several free throws late in the Fresno State matchup. The Falcons have not had that kind of on the floor vocal, in-your-face leadership in a long, long, long, time.
Looking ahead-3 games left. Saturday at Wyoming, Tuesday at home vs Nevada, and next Saturday at struggling Boise State. Can Air Force win 2 of 3? They should. Then what about the Wolfpack? Tuesday night in the home finale the Falcons host Nevada. The Cadet Wing reportedly will be there. As talented as the Wolfpack are, they, at times are very undisciplined on offense and throw up 3’s like Santa Claus tossing candy canes during a Christmas parade. Air Force can beat Nevada at Clune, with the Cadets doing their thing, and with Lavelle Scottie doing his, and with scoring in the backcourt from the suddenly resurgent Caleb Morris and AJ Walker. This team has grown, and grown up. These 3 games could really define what the Falcons do in the Mountain West Tournament in mid March.
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