AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Clune Arena is no longer in the Falcons’ comfort zone.
The red-hot New Mexico Lobos made Air Force’s home a house of horrors Wednesday night by storming down the stretch for a 68-51 victory.
The victory was New Mexico’s fifth straight in the Mountain West Conference as the Lobos handed the Falcons (13-12, 5-7) their second loss in their last three home games.
After scoring five points in the first half, while in foul trouble, J.R. Giddens came back to lead the Lobos.
Air Force, led by reserve center Eric Kenzik’s 11 points, all in the first half, couldn’t keep pace.
After a miraculous comeback in the first half, the Falcons bumbled away a chance to take command with five turnovers and a missed shot on their first six possessions of the second half. The Lobos (21-6, 8-4) weren’t much better, but Giddens’ dunk pulled New Mexico to a 41-35 lead.
The Falcons went cold again, and the Lobos took a 51-42 lead on six straight points.
Air Force’s slide continued in the face of a tough New Mexico defense, with Evan Washington’s free throw the only point in eight possessions.
The first half was a test in determination. Just when it seemed the Lobos would run away with a victory behind a 14-point surge, the Falcons tied the score at 29 going into the last four minutes and stayed with the Lobos to go into halftime tied 35-35.
Irv Moss: 303 954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
