box score

SILVER CITY, N.M. – Despite shooting just 33 percent from the field, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin women's basketball team relied on its defense to take a 79-68 win over Western New Mexico.

The Falcons forced 31 turnovers that resulted in 28 points, while three players scored in double-figures with Tammy Acosta leading the way with 18 as UTPB improved to 8-2 on the year. Acosta was 6-of-12 from the field, including 3-of-6 from behind the three-point line. Teisha King added 14 points and has now scored double-digit points in nine-straight games, while Missy Jackson added 10.

UTPB's struggles were prevalent in the second half, hitting just 10-of-33 field goals and hit an uncharacteristic 65 percent from the free throw line for the entire game. The Mustangs, which fell to 0-8 on the year, rode the backs of Jaleesa Russell and Morgan Wohltman, who put in 25 and 19 points respectively. As a team, Western New Mexico shot 45.6 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Falcons 48-43.

The Falcons scored just two points in over four minutes in the middle of the first half as Western New Mexico led 18-12 with 8:11 to go in the first after Kristina Bar hit a jumper for two of her five points on the night. The scoring drought wouldn't last long as the Falcons used a 22-4 run over the next five minutes to lead 34-22, their largest of the half. UTPB would eventually take a 38-30 advantage into the locker room.

The Falcons led the rest of the way, but the Mustangs pulled within two (48-46) after a three-pointer by Wohltman. The teams would exchange several buckets until the Falcons used a 13-3 run to take a comfortable 68-54 lead with 4:56 to play. UTPB would keep a double-digit lead the rest of the way thanks to eight made free throws in the final two minutes of the game.

UTPB will take it's best start in school history on the road once again when it competes in the Texas A&M International Tournament Friday and Saturday where it will take on Bellarmine and the University of the Southwest.