Air Force 1 47, Hyperflight 48

Coming into the game, Hyperflight was sitting on a perfect 2-0 record. They had one of the league's most prolific scorers in Niko Klansek and possibly the NRF's best rookie Chad Gittens. But early in their match against Air Force 1, both were relatively quiet. Air Force 1's Christian Grant-Fields was dominant inside early, scoring 6 of the team's first 8 points. Chris Dowling was also impressive for Air Force 1, finishing the half with 9 points. Klansek was held to only 5 points, but did find other ways to help as he collected an amazing 13 boards in the half. The halftime score was 25-18 in favor of Air Force 1.

Hyperflight started to heat up in the second half. Klansek got his rhythm and they also got a solid contribution from Jeremy Siler who for the game had 10 points and 12 rebounds. With four minutes to go, it was looking like Hyperflight was going to take it as the score stood at 43-33. But with the help of Grant-Fields and Brandon Smith, Air Force 1 was able to fight back into the contest. A three by Smith with 1:30 to go, cut Hyperflight's lead to 3 points (48-45). With 12.4 on the clock and the score 48-47 in favor of Hyperflight, Grant-Fields had a chance to win the game as he stepped to the line for two free throws.

It's no secret that free throws aren't Christian's strength and he ended up missing both. Luckily for Air Force 1, they got another chance at the line with Smith, but he missed a one-in-one with 7 tics on the clock. Dowling was able to get the rebound and got a decent 13-foot baseline shot off, but missed it at the buzzer and Hyperflight held on for the 48-47 victory.

Niko ended with 13 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals while teammate Gittens had just 8 points, 1 assist and 2 steals. Grant-Fields led the way for Air Force 1 with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Play of the Game: Early in the game, Grant-Fields swatted a layup attempt by a Hyperflight player into the stands.

Box Scores