box score

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin women's basketball team shot a season-low 28.2 percent and was out-rebounded 56-36 as Arkansas-Fort Smith took a 77-70 victory over the Falcons.

The Falcons, who like to use a combination of driving to the basket as well as relying on their outside shooting had both go south as the Lions blocked 10 shots, including five by Coby Hill, who finished with 27 points and 16 rebounds. UTPB made 22 field goals on the day, 11 of which were behind the three-point line. The Falcons attempted 43 three-pointers, which is the most in school history over the past five years.

UTPB held an early 8-7 lead after Tina Lira made a 12-footer, but it would be the last lead for the Falcons until Missy Jackson nailed one of her two three-pointers with 5:19 to go to make it 24-23. Both teams would exchange buckets until the end of the half before the Falcons finally took a 37-36 lead at halftime.

The Falcons came out firing in the second half, jumping out to a 45-41 lead with 16:11 to go after Miesha Blackshear hit the front end of a pair of free throws. They would hold the lead until Whitney Lee hit a jumper with 10:30 to give the Lions a 50-48 lead. A three-pointer by Andrea Chavez and a free throw by Blackshear gave the Falcons a 59-56 edge with 6:32 to go.

Unfortunately for the Falcons, the Lions used an 11-0 run over the next three minutes to take a commanding 69-59 lead with 3:13 after a layup by Lee.

The Falcons caused four turnovers over the next two minutes to help them pull within four (71-67) after a pair of free throws by Tammy Acosta, but would come no closer the rest of the way.

With the loss, UTPB fell to 12-5, while Arkansas-Fort Smith moved to 13-4 on the year. The Falcons will be back in action on Jan. 20 when they head to Wichita, Kans. to take on Newman at 5:30 p.m.