box score
 
ABILENE – Antonio Bell put in a game-high 21 points to lead Abilene Christian to an 80-69 win over The University of Texas of the Permian Basin marking the second time in less than a week the Wildcats have defeated the Falcons. 
 
The Wildcats used a team effort as six players scored six-or-more points, four of which finished in double-figures in the victory.  Abilene Christian also converted 26-of-33 free throws which proved to be the difference as UTPB made just 12-of-24. 
 
The teams exchanged points in the first half until the Wildcats used and 11-5 run to take a 20-13 lead with 12:40 in the first.  UTPB would counter with a  11-4 run of its own, tying the game at 24 when Mike Akins drained his only three-pointer of the night with 7:37 to go before the break. 
 
UTPB couldn't buy a bucket in the final 5:25 of the half as it made just one field goal and a free throw during that span.  ACU took advantage as it took a 45-32 halftime lead. 
 
The Falcons pulled within three (64-61) with 5:46 to go after Akins' jumper found the bottom of the net, but like the first half, a scoring drought the rest of the way negated any sort of a comeback.  UTPB put up just five more points in the final five minutes of play, allowing the Wildcats to take advantage as they improved to 4-1 on the season. 
 
UTPB will return home Saturday to host Wayland Baptist at 4 p.m. in the Falcon Dome.