By GREG MENGELT

COLORADO SPRINGS — Jake Heidbreder drew a foul from Denver’s K.J. Hunt with 30 seconds left.

The former Floyd Central star stepped to the line and knocked down both ends to give Air Force a 66-65 lead. Denver’s Taelyr Gatlin missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer and the Heidbreder and the Falcons escaped with the victory to improve to 5-1 on the season.

The Falcons’ fifth win equals last year’s total in 25 games.

Heidbreder, an Air Force freshman, finished with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal as the Falcons won their fifth straight game and improved to 2-0 at home.

Air Force, which led 47-25 at halftime, was led by 27 points by senior guard A.J. Walker, who played all 40 minutes in the win. The Falcons led 56-36 with 13:15 left when the Pioneers went on a 29-8 run to take the 65-65 lead before Heidbreder’s clutch free throws.

Senior forward Michael Henn led Denver (3-4) with 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Heidbreder and the Falcons take the floor against Saturday when they host Idaho State (1-4). Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. Heidbreder and the Falcons can be seen taking on the Bengals at GoAirForceFalcons.com.