TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — In a high-scoring and tightly contested NAIA men’s basketball game Wednesday night, the Faulkner Eagles outlasted the Stillman Tigers 78 to 70.

The game, a rematch of a Nov. 11 meeting that Faulkner won by five points, saw both offenses ignite in a frantic first half before the Eagles used a decisive second-quarter run to create separation and secure the road victory. The result improved Faulkner’s season record to 7-4, while Stillman fell to 5-6.

The opening quarter was an offensive showcase, with both teams trading baskets at a remarkable pace. Faulkner’s Gabriel Rivera opened the scoring with a jump shot just 22 seconds in, setting the tone for a period that would yield a combined 82 points. Stillman, playing at home, answered every Faulkner push, led by the interior play of Dasean Sellers and the perimeter shooting of Jordan Fordyce. The Tigers shot with high efficiency, matching the Eagles basket for basket. The quarter ended with Stillman holding a narrow 42 to 40 lead after Fordyce converted a late steal into a layup in the final seconds.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the second quarter, as Faulkner’s defense stiffened and its offensive execution became more consistent. After Stillman extended its lead to 50 to 44 early in the period, the Eagles embarked on a game-defining 21 to 5 run over the next six minutes. The surge was fueled by a balanced attack. Levi White scored inside, KJ Rogers converted at the rim and from the free-throw line, and Jordyn Turner-Durley capped the run with a 3-pointer that gave Faulkner a 65 to 55 advantage with just over four minutes remaining in the half.

During this critical stretch, Stillman’s offense, so fluid in the first quarter, went cold. The Tigers committed several turnovers and struggled to find clean looks against a more disciplined Faulkner defense. While Stillman’s Jonathan Crawford hit a pair of late 3-pointers to trim the deficit, Faulkner maintained control by consistently drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. The Eagles closed the half by making 10 consecutive free throws in the final two minutes, taking a 78 to 70 lead into the break.

The second half consisted of only the defensive stands that closed the second quarter, as no further scoring occurred. Faulkner’s 78 points, all scored in the first half, proved sufficient for the win.

Key performances for Faulkner included the backcourt duo of KJ Rogers and Jordyn Turner-Durley, who facilitated the offense and applied constant pressure. Levi White provided efficient scoring inside, while Gabriel Rivera and Gideon Harris made timely shots. For Stillman, Jonathan Crawford’s outside shooting kept the Tigers within reach late, and Dasean Sellers was a consistent force in the paint throughout the first half. Brandon Howard and Jordan Fordyce also contributed to Stillman’s early offensive explosion.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Stillman had entered the game with a 54.20 percent probability to win. Faulkner’s victory therefore marked a slight upset and completed a regular-season sweep of the Tigers.

Faulkner will look to build on the win when it hosts Montreat on Friday. Stillman’s next game is not until Jan. 8 when it travels to face Fisk.