Falcons get beaten at their own game

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Mar 19, 2004 | by TODD JACOBSON THE GAZETTE

DENVER - What irked Air Force senior A.J. Kuhle most about a 63- 52 loss to North Carolina on Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center was how it unfolded.

In the second half of their Atlanta Regional game, the Tar Heels simply seemed tougher than the Falcons.

They dove for loose balls, grabbed big rebounds and outhustled a team that had prided itself on that type of play all season.

"When they made a run we got a little weak and didn't respond with toughness," Kuhle said. "That had been our staple throughout the year, and that's why we won 22 games. When that happened, we didn't make the plays toward the end."

Air Force had a season-high 16 turnovers and was outrebounded 35- 21. Falcons coach Joe Scott gave the Tar Heels credit for picking up the intensity in the second half.

"They were tough enough to make sure they won," Scott said. "I don't think we are an easy team to defend, but they did a good job of it."

Burtschi to have surgery

Jacob Burtschi's nagging shoulder injury returned in the first half Thursday when he dislocated his right shoulder with 6:12 remaining in the first half.

Air Force trainers were able to pop Burtschi's shoulder back into place, and he returned 49 seconds later. But offseason surgery will be necessary to completely repair the freshman's shoulder.

Surgery had already been planned following the season to tighten the ligaments in Burtschi's right shoulder, team trainer Larry Willock said this week.

Burtschi dislocated his shoulder twice earlier in the season and has practiced with a brace that protects his shoulder ever since.

If Burtschi doesn't have surgery, there is a high likelihood of him dislocating his shoulder again, Willock said. It will take up to six months for him to rehabilitate the injury, but he should be ready for the start of next season, according to Willock.

Nice hair, Heels

North Carolina players shaved their heads before the game, and seemed to think it helped them focus.

"It was a team unity thing," Tar Heels forward Jawad Williams said. "We knew if we did this, we could do anything. There are a lot of guys that look real silly. Everyone dedicated themselves and it was a small step, but a big step into our season."

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0256 or tjacobson@gazette.com