The Air Force Falcons women's basketball team is geared up for an exciting matchup against the Nevada Wolf Pack, scheduled for January 4, 2025, at Clune Arena. The game will tip off at 2:00 PM ET and promises to be pivotal for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons.
Currently, the Air Force Falcons boast a strong record of 10-4, recently coming off a tough loss to Boise State where they fell 66-55. Junior standout Milahnie Perry led the charge with 21 points, marking her fourth game this season where she hit the 20-point mark, showcasing her offensive prowess. Alongside her, senior Madison Smith contributes significantly, averaging 14.6 points per game, helping the Falcons maintain their competitive edge.
On the flip side, the Nevada Wolf Pack enters the matchup with a record of 6-9, aiming to snap their three-game road losing streak. Their last game saw them succumb to New Mexico with a score of 70-62, with Imbie Jones being the bright spot for Nevada, netting 15 points and grabbing five rebounds. The Wolf Pack have struggled this season, with their scoring differential reflecting their ups and downs on both ends of the court.
Air Force’s season has been notable for its historic start; this marks their best beginning to a season since becoming Division I competition, aiming for their first 10-win period since the 1991-92 season. The Falcons have demonstrated impressive defensive capabilities, frequently forcing turnovers, as evidenced by their ranking among the top teams nationally for steals and turnovers created. They currently average 66.3 points per game, with defensive efforts allowing only 59.4 from opponents.
Conversely, as Nevada juggles its difficulties, they have managed to put up 66.5 points per game but have allowed 66.9, leading to a negative scoring differential. The Wolf Pack’s performance on the road has been a significant factor, scoring just 64.5 points per game away from home, making this matchup even more imperative for their morale and season outlook.
Though the history between these two teams shows Air Force trailing with only four wins against Nevada out of 19 matchups, they have found recent success, winning four of their last eight encounters, all occurring under former head coach Chris Gobrecht since 2020. The Falcons have also won their last three home games against the Wolf Pack, contributing to the pressure on Nevada to perform well to shift their fortunes on the road.
Fans can expect to see several compelling storylines during this faceoff, particularly the dynamic duo of Perry and Smith for Air Force, who are both nearing the coveted 1,000 career points milestone. With 985 and 973 points, respectively, the opportunity to become the 19th and 20th players to achieve this for Air Force adds another layer of excitement to the game.
The Falcons enter this match eager to rebound from their recent loss and maintain their strong home court advantage, where they have consistently outscored opponents. With their solid defense, pushing the tempo to force turnovers and feeding off their home crowd energy, Air Force will be aiming to capitalize on their strengths against the visiting Wolf Pack.
On the broadcasting front, the game will be available for viewing on the Mountain West Network, ensuring fans can catch all the action live, with play-by-play provided by XtraSports AM 1300's Ryan Kaufman. Live stats will also be accessible via StatBroadcast, keeping fans updated every step of the way.
Expectations are high for this encounter, not only because of the competitive nature of both squads but also due to the personal accolades of players like Perry and Smith seeking to make history for their program. It’s set to be a thrilling showdown filled with intensity and strategic play as both teams battle for much-needed victories.
The countdown to the Air Force vs. Nevada matchup is on, and fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for this anticipated event!