CCU Men's Basketball opened up their 2016-2017 season with an exhibition game against Air Force. The Cougars held their own leading after the first half 36-31, but then ended up losing the game 81-71 in the end.
 
Standing out on the court was newcomer Brett Brady who had 10 points in the first half alone and 13 total. A transfer senior from the University of Colorado, Brady went 5-10 in field goals, and 3-7 from the three. Brady had an impressive first half, but Dimitri Saliba shine in the second. The senior guard went 6-11 in field goals, and 6-6 from the line, with 13 points being scored in the second. Not only did Saliba lead the Cougars on offense with 18 total points, but he also had four assists, and came in second in rebounds with eight.
 
CCU was leading Air Force at half time, but the Falcons stepped up their shooting game and started scoring points off threes. Something CCU failed to do. The points racked up and the Cougars lost the lead with 18 minutes left of the game. From there it was the Falcons game.
 
Leading the Cougs in rebounds was #14 Stefan Hackethal with 10. Hackethal pulled out a double-double scoring 11 points as well.
 
Head Coach Kevin Lubbers commented:
 
"We did some things well that we have worked on, and then also found a lot of areas we are not consistent enough in. Exhibitions are a good chance to try things out and this was a good chance to see where we are at before a tough weekend of games coming up in Dallas"