Air Force men’s basketball secured a 98-85 victory over IU Indy on Sunday afternoon at Clune Arena, winning the Air Force Classic and extending their win streak to three games. The Falcons finished the tournament undefeated.
Freshman Lucas Hobin led Air Force with 27 points, shooting 8-for-13 from the field, including five three-pointers and six free throws. Junior Caleb Walker contributed 21 points on 10-for-12 shooting and added six rebounds. The team recorded its highest point total in the Joe Scott era and its most since 2019.
Air Force shot 59 percent from the field and scored 54 points in the paint. Despite facing IU Indy, which is ranked first nationally in game tempo, the Falcons managed to withstand their opponent’s pace.
The matchup featured 19 lead changes. At halftime, IU Indy held a narrow 49-48 lead after making eight three-pointers in the opening period. In the second half, Air Force trailed by as many as seven points but responded with a strong finish. Down 61-54 with just under 15 minutes left, the Falcons outscored IU Indy 44-24 for the remainder of the game.
Junior Kolby Gilles gave Air Force its final lead at 72-71 with a driving layup at the 9:31 mark. A subsequent 12-2 run put them ahead by nine points with just over six minutes remaining. Although IU Indy closed within four late in the contest, Air Force secured a double-digit win for the second consecutive game.
Caleb Walker was named MVP of the Air Force Classic. Hobin and sophomore Eli Robinson were also selected to the all-tournament team. Robinson nearly achieved a triple-double with 17 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Freshman Kam Sanders added 13 points along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Freshman Ethan Greenberg contributed nine points by hitting three three-pointers and collecting three steals.
Earlier on Sunday, SIUE defeated Alabama State by a score of 83-68.
Air Force will have two days off before hosting Northern Colorado on Wednesday, November 26 at Clune Arena. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. MT tip-off and will be broadcast on Altitude as well as streamed on the MW Network.
The Air Force Classic All-Tournament Team included MVP Caleb Walker (Air Force), Lucas Hobin (Air Force), Eli Robinson (Air Force), Asjon Anderson (Alabama State), Micah Simpson (Alabama State), Kameron Tinsley (IU Indy), Jack Campion (SIUE), and Jordan Pickett (SIUE).
