Air Force Women’s Basketball lost to Boise State 70-62 on Wednesday evening at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, Idaho. The Falcons held a lead of up to 12 points in the third quarter before the Broncos overtook them late in the game.
Senior Milahnie Perry led Air Force with 20 points, marking her third consecutive game scoring at least 20 and her tenth such performance this season. Senior Emily Adams contributed 16 points and had a game-high nine rebounds. Junior Jayda McNabb added 11 points and seven rebounds.
The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 17. Adams scored six of her points in the opening period, helping Air Force keep pace with Boise State. The Broncos stayed close thanks to two three-pointers from Dani Bayes, including one that gave them a brief lead late in the quarter. Perry tied the score just before the end of the frame with a breakaway layup after a steal.
In the second quarter, neither team was able to gain much separation. Boise State’s Natalie Pasco opened with a three-pointer, but Air Force responded with baskets from Perry and Keelie O’Hollaren to regain control and hold a 30-26 advantage at halftime.
After halftime, Air Force started strong and built their largest lead of the night at 42-30 following a combined effort by Adams and O’Hollaren during a 12-2 run. However, Boise State answered back quickly with an 11-2 stretch to cut into Air Force’s advantage. Perry managed consecutive scores late in the third quarter to help maintain a slim Falcon lead before another Pasco three-pointer brought Boise State within two points heading into the fourth quarter.
The final period saw five lead changes early on, but Boise State gained control down the stretch by making seven of eleven shots from the field. The Broncos expanded their lead to as many as nine points in the last minute while forcing Air Force into foul trouble.
Despite leading in rebounds (34), points off turnovers (16), second-chance points (12), and points in the paint (36), Air Force fell short against Boise State.
Air Force now holds an overall record of 12-14 and is scheduled for its next game against New Mexico on Saturday, February 21 in Albuquerque. The Falcons will return home on February 25 to host Wyoming at Clune Arena.
