NCAA Game Summary - Army at Air Force

USAFA, CO (Sports Network) - Michael Lyons posted game highs with 24 points and nine rebounds as he led the Air Force Falcons to an 87-71 win over the Army Black Knights in the first round of the All-Military Classic at Clune Arena.

Lyons made good on 10-of-14 shots at the free-throw line for the Falcons (1-0) as four starters scored in double figures for the academy in the season opener. Taylor Stewart accounted for 16 points and seven assists, Todd Fletcher 14 points and seven assists and Mike Fitzgerald 13 points and five rebounds before fouling out.

The Black Knights (0-1) were paced by Ella Ellis who tallied 17 points and pulled down six rebounds, although he was also charged with six turnovers. Julian Simmons delivered 16 points and Mo Williams 15 off the bench in the setback.

Army focused much of its efforts from behind the three-point line in the first half and even though the squad connected on just 4-of-14 from long range, the Knights managed to move out to a 35-32 lead at the break.

In the second half Air Force bounced back in a big way with 62.1 percent shooting from the floor and 19-of-22 accuracy at the charity stripe to cruise to the 16-point victory.

The Falcons, one of the weakest rebounding teams in the nation last season, held a 39-26 edge on the glass and also benefited from forcing 24 turnovers, helping to offset 23 miscues of their own.

The Falcons will now face the winner of the matchup between The Citadel and VMI, with the two losing squads also facing off against each other on Saturday.