CIU defeats South Florida Bible College 80–72

History didn’t whisper Tuesday morning in Davie, Florida it roared.
In their first-ever GAAC conference tournament appearance, the CIU Falcons spread their wings and took flight, defeating South Florida Bible College 80–72 in a breakthrough victory that felt less like a game and more like a declaration. The win marks the first conference tournament triumph in program history, and the Falcons authored it with poise, firepower, and fearless balance.
The backcourt trio of Noah Smith, Chase Nelson, and Elijah Cirilo played like three instruments in perfect harmony, each distinct, each deadly. Smith poured in 25 points with the confidence of a seasoned marksman, Nelson followed with 23 of his own, slicing through the defense like a blade through silk, and Cirilo added 18, steady and relentless. Together, they didn’t just score — they orchestrated.
Inside, Alan Duarte owned the paint early. Before foul trouble slowed his rhythm, he had already carved out 9 points and 10 rebounds, establishing position like a fortress under siege. His physical presence set the tone, even as four early fouls forced him to the bench.
CIU stormed out to a 16-point first-half lead, playing with the urgency of a team that understood the moment. But tournament basketball is rarely a straight line. South Florida Bible College rallied, refusing to fold, trimming the deficit and testing the Falcons’ resolve. Yet CIU bent without breaking, answering every surge with composure and clutch execution down the stretch.
After the game, Head Coach Gamal Smalley reflected with respect and realism.
“We knew SFBC would make a run to get back in the game after we jumped out to a 16-point lead in the first half,” Smalley said. “We were honored to play against legendary coach Mike Jarvis, whose team plays so hard.”
The Falcons now advance to the second round, where they will face the winner of Lincoln University (Oakland, CA) and John Melvin University (Pensacola, FL). The stakes rise, the lights get brighter, but so do the Falcons.
For a program in its first year, this was more than a win. It was a milestone carved in hardwood proof that belief, balance, and brotherhood can build something lasting.
The Falcons aren’t just participating in history anymore.
They’re writing it.