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FORT SMITH, Ark. – Lauren Unger and Jessi Cowden combined to hit 13 of the team's 15 three-pointers as The University of Texas of the Permian Basin picked up a 77-74 road victory over Arkansas-Fort Smith. 
 
Unger drained seven from downtown while Cowden was nearly just as good with six from behind the arc as they put in 21 and 20 points respectively.  Both were the go-to players in the first half as they combined for 26 of the team's 39 points with all their baskets coming from the three-point variety.  UTPB would take a 39-30 halftime advantage
 
The defense was key for the Falcons in the first half helping to cause nine turnovers which led to 16 points for UTPB. 
 
The second half saw the Falcons go up by as many as 11 after Tammy Acosta made a layup with 18:36 to play making it 41-30.  She would finish with nine points and seven assists on the afternoon.  The Lions took their first and only lead of the half with 11:55 to play thanks to a 20-8 run.  The lead wouldn't last long as Unger broke the streak with a three-pointer 10 seconds later giving UTPB a two-point cushion.  Unger's trey was the start of a 9-0 run, which eventually gave it a 57-50 advantage with 10:46 left in the game. 
 
The teams would continue to go back-and-forth as the Lions pulled within one with under five minutes remaining and would eventually tie the contest at 70 with 3:06 left.  Cashena Mathis hit a huge three-pointer with 33 seconds to play, giving the Falcons a 75-70 edge.  Acosta would go on to make two-of-three free throws to seal the victory. 
 
The Falcons improved to 11-5 overall and 2-1 in Heartland Conference play and will host league-leading Newman at 7:30 Thursday night in the Falcon Dome.