CIU Answers the Call, Defeats Bethesda 98–92

The CIU Falcons turned the page on last month’s heartbreak and wrote a triumphant new chapter Friday afternoon, outdueling Bethesda University 98–92 in a thrilling showdown at the MAP Sports Facility in Garden Grove, California. With the win, the Falcons soared to 13–5 on the season, delivering payback with poise, pressure, and plenty of fire. From the opening tip, the Falcons knew the storm they were facing. Bethesda’s sharpshooting backcourt of, Durr, Sultan, and Cooper, came armed and dangerous, lighting up the scoreboard with 23, 24, and 12 points respectively. Their perimeter barrage kept the contest tight and tense, but CIU refused to blink. Instead, the Falcons counterpunched with balance, toughness, and timely brilliance. The return of Noah Smith proved pivotal, as the junior guard wasted no time reminding everyone why his presence matters. Smith poured in 23 points from all corners of the court, drilling four three-pointers and spacing the floor like a chess grandmaster. Elijah Cirilo attacked the defense like a slashing blade, slicing through lanes with high-flying drives on his way to 21 electric points. Chase Nelson brought blue-collar grit to the hardwood, muscling his way to 21 hard-earned points that swung momentum at critical moments. Yet when the final horn sounded, Head Coach Gamal Smalley pointed not to the box score, but to the effort between the lines. “We guarded from the parking lot to after the game,” Smalley said. “That kind of pressure is what you must have against a tough team like Bethesda.” That defensive identity was embodied by freshman guard Camden Shaw, whose relentless on-ball pressure set the tone. Shaw’s performance earned him the game ball from Assistant Coach Sheeck Morris, presented amid thunderous applause from teammates who recognized the spark he ignited. Shaw added 11 points of his own, capping a breakout afternoon. Inside, big man Alan Duarte—just returning from injury, was a defensive marvel, anchoring the paint with authority while scoring nine points despite a minutes restriction. Jonathan Hakim battled early foul trouble but transformed into a rebounding force, pulling down 13 boards to go along with seven points. Kaeden Sibrian, affectionately known as “K-7,” contributed a smooth five points, while the Tiggett Twins continued to inject relentless energy and hustle that fueled the Falcons beyond the stat sheet. With momentum building and confidence rising, the Falcons now set their sights north. CIU heads to Oakland, California, for a February 1st and 2nd matchup against Lincoln University—another opportunity to test their wings and keep climbing. The Falcons are flying—and they are far from finished.