MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner's (4-4) brilliant first-half defensive effort allowed the slow-starting offense to gain traction and ultimately cruise by Pensacola Christian 59-50 here at Tine Davis Gymnasium this evening.

Marquis Grays spearheaded the Faulkner offense for the first seven minutes of play scoring the team's first seven points of the night.

The Faulkner defense was nothing short of spectacular the second half of the first period. The smothering display prevented a visiting basket for over eight minutes while the home side orchestrated a 16-0 run to gain a sizable and permanent lead.

Faulkner led by as many as 20 points and though the visitors did manage to trim a large chunk off the deficit, the home Eagles never lost control of the momentum.

Despite not scoring in the second half, Grays was the points leader for Faulkner with 13 and was third defensively with seven rebounds.

Jose Jimenez had 12 points and five boards. 

Logan Jozwiak was stellar defensively for Faulkner leading the way with 11 rebounds while adding six points, both on 3-pointers.

Matt Maddox was second on the glass with eight rebounds and added seven points.

Lucas Luttrell had eight pints and six rebounds.

Faulkner will next enter Southern States Athletic Conference action when it takes on Middle Georgia State in Cochran Thursday at 6:30 p.m. central.