The basketball team met up with the Tampa Swish on February 19 for an exhibition game in Conn Gymnasium. Tampa Swish is a team of local men over age 25, most of whom played in college or even professionally. Alumnus Brent Cooper ’89, who recently played in the homecoming game, is one of the leading players on the team.

The FC men had the advantage for most of the first half, and Tampa Swish turnovers and missed shots gave the Falcons a 45-33 lead at halftime. However, the Falcons started the second half slowly and by 13:14, the Swish tied the game at 55. The game stayed close for the rest of the half and Cooper tied the game at 79 with 30 seconds left, pushing it into overtime.

In overtime, freshman Jordan Mitchell began play with three quick points for FC. After several lead changes, and the Swish went up 86-85 with one minute remaining. The Falcons, including freshmen David Wynn and Charles Murphy, played tough close to the basket and tipped in a shot with ten seconds left to seal the 87-85 win.

Wynn felt confident in overtime because of his team’s endurance. “I knew we were going to win because they were older and slower; they didn’t have their wind,” said Wynn.

The final game for the basketball team will be Tuesday, February 23 against Ave Maria University in Conn Gymnasium at 7:00 PM. It will be Senior Night, honoring four-year player Blake Elrod before the game.

Falcon supporters are helping put a new floor in Conn Gymnasium. Some have made a pledge to donate for every three-point shot made this season. Help make a Score For The Floor.

Listen to all home games by podcast through Apple’s iTunes.