Air Force opens by topping Western State 65-54 Eds: APNewsNow. Air Force 65, Western State 54.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AP) Grant Parker scored a career-high 26 points and Evan Washington added 14 as Air Force won its seventh straight season opener, defeating Western State 65-54 Friday night.

Air Force never trailed, but the Falcons' 7-of-27 shooting in the second half allowed the Mountaineers back into the game.

Western State tied it twice in the second half, the last time at 50-50 with 4:34 remaining, before the Falcons closed with a 10-2 run.

Parker scored 18 points in the first half, including a 3-pointer in the final seconds that gave the Falcons a 38-27 halftime lead.

Parker was a perfect 5-of-5 in the opening half.

Sophomore guard Weylan Towns led the Mountaineers, Air Forces Division II neighbor from Gunnison, Colo., with 17 points. Tyler Miller contributed 10.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-14-09 0002CST | save this article / add to your favorites list