By GREG MENGELT

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Former Floyd Central star Jake Heidbreder began his collegiate career with a five-point performance in Air Force’s 59-53 loss at South Dakota on Thursday.

The 6-foot-5 Heidbreder, who started at guard for the Falcons, went 2-for-2 from the field, including a 3-pointer, and had an assist for Air Force, which allowed the Coyotes 13 offensive rebounds and an overall 39-29 advantage on the boards.

Heidbreder’s first basket came 9 minutes and 30 seconds into the season. His bucket, assisted by Jeffery Mills, pulled the Falcons within 10-9. With his team trailing by 11, Heidbreder hit his first collegiate 3-pointer with 1:07 to go before the half to close the deficit to 28-20.

Freshman guard Ethan Taylor and senior guard A.J. Walker each scored 14 to pace the Falcons, who go to Tulsa on Saturday for a 1 p.m. start. That game can be seen on ESPN Plus.

Kruz Perrott-Hunt scored 14 to lead South Dakota, which is projected to contend for the Summit Conference with South Dakota State, North Dakota State and Oral Roberts in 2021-21.