Hot Start not Enough As Falcons Fall in Tournament Preview.

The Notre Dame Falcons got off to a hot start in Canton Saturday but it was not enough as the Falcons fell to the Walsh Cavaliers 86-64. Walsh improved to 27-2 (15-1 AMC) with the win. NDC with the loss fell to 19-10 (11-5).

The Falcons had four players in double figures on the afternoon. Eric Dummermuth and Al Miller dropped in 14 points each. Nick McCartney added 11 and Phil Biggs netted 10. On the day the Falcons shot the ball at a 45.6 percent clip from the field. They were only 4 of 13 from long range. The Falcons struggled at the charity stripe going just 8 of 13 (61.5%).

The Cavaliers were led by Jeremy Shardo who poured in a game high 29 points. Ricky Jackson netted 20 for the Cavaliers. Kyelce Cestaco pulled down 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers. The only blemish thus far on the season in conference for the Cavaliers was a 2 point loss at Cedarville. The Falcons shot 52.4 percent on the game Saturday.

NDC came out of the gates quickly and led 11-2 just a little over four minutes into the game after a jumper by Al Miller. NDC maintained that lead over the next seven and a half minutes. Phil Biggs nailed a jumper with just a little under 8 minutes in the half and the Falcons led 25-16. The Falons went ice cold the rest of the first half and after a 21-2 run to close the half the Cavaliers led at the intermission 37-27.

Walsh was outstanding in all facets of the second half. They shot a sizzling 59.4% from the field. Also Walsh was 50% from three point territory. The Cavaliers led by as many as 24 points. The closest the Falcons would get would be 8 (40-32). NDC and Walsh will do battle again Saturday, February 27th for the AMC championship. The Falcons will carry an eight game home winning streak into that 4 PM tip at Murphy Gym.