The 36-point loss at UNLV in January was a defining moment for Air Force.
Either the Falcons would then fall apart or use it as a rallying point for the remainder of the basketball season.
“We weren’t as bad as 36 points to UNLV, but we couldn’t make a shot that night,” Air Force coach Dave Pilipovich said. “It was right after the (UNLV coaching) change, and they were feeling it. So we just said, ‘We’re better than this.’”
The Falcons endured four more losses in a row, but then went 4-2 to open February. That included a 79-74 home victory over the Rebels.