SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Todd Fletcher scored a career-high 18 points and made four 3-pointers as Air Force defeated Eastern Michigan 42-37 in the consolation game of the Cable Car Classic on Friday night.
Darrell Lampley scored on a jumper to bring the Eagles (5-9) within 40-37 with 38 seconds remaining, but the Falcons (7-4) held on when Mike Fitzgerald and Chris Carter each hit a free throw down the stretch.
Air Force won despite its lowest point total of the season.
“Being able to grind it out was great for us,” Fletcher said. “Their pressure was amazing all game. It was tough to inbound the ball.”
Eastern Michigan shot just over 27 percent from the field in the second half and missed all but one of its 14 3-point attempts.
The Falcons, playing without leading scorer Michael Lyons for a second consecutive game, opened the second half on a 17-5 run and held a 35-25 advantage with 7:43 left to play.
Fletcher was 6 of 10 from the field, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range. He is shooting 61 percent (23 of 38) over his past five games.
“It’s just mental,” Fletcher said. “Every time I shoot the ball, I think it will go in.”
Jamell Harris had nine points and nine rebounds to lead Eastern Michigan.
