Falcons Blowout Defending National Champions

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - The Florida College Falcons continued their great play, cruising past the defending national champion Loyola University New Orleans Wolfpack.

There is some history between these two teams. They were former SSAC foes. Florida College won its first game as an SSAC member over Loyola in November of 2018. And it was Loyola who ended the Falcons' dream season a year ago, in the second round of the NAIA National Tournament in New Orleans.

The Falcons also ended the NAIA's longest active winning streak, at 28 games, held by the Wolfpack entering the contest. (RV) Loyola entered the contest 7-0, while the #21 Falcons entered the game 9-1, coming off a thrilling win over #10 LSU Shreveport just 20 hours earlier.

The Falcons started off the game red hot, leading 23-3 with 11:54 to go in the first half. The Wolfpack started off the game 1-for-11 from the field. The Falcons stretched the lead to 27 in the first half, but Loyola chipped it down to a 21-point deficit at the half.

Up 53-34 in the second half, the Falcons used an 18-4 run to take a commanding 71-38 lead with 11:37 to go. Drew Kramer banged in three threes during the run. Loyola never got closer than 22 the rest of the way.

The Falcons forced 17 Loyola turnovers compared to just 11 of their own. FC shot 54.5% from the field and 53.8% from three. LUNO shot 37.9% from the field and 21.4% from three.

Drew Kramer led the Falcons in scoring with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 6-for-10 from three-point range. Phat Cleveland capped off a great week, pouring in 19 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing out 4 dimes, and grabbing 3 steals. Anthony Bittar had a stellar game with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Bryan Chong and Jashavius Perdue added 10 points each for the Falcons.

"Extremely proud of our team for their performance this week against some great opponents," said Chase Teichmann. "It is extremely difficult to play three tough games like that back-to-back-to-back. I know our guys are hurting and playing through injuries and I cannot express how thankful I am for their commitment to each other and our team. Go Falcons."

The 3-0 week at the Battle at the Beach puts the #21 Falcons at 10-1 on the year. The 10 wins currently lead the NAIA. The next Top 25 Coaches' Poll comes out Wednesday, November 30.

Up next the Falcons will travel to West Palm Beach, to take on the 4-1 Keiser University Seahawks on Tuesday, November 29.