box score

Branden Harrison recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds while two others scored in double-figures as The University of Texas of the Permian Basin men's basketball team edged Angelo State 57-53. 

In a game that saw the lead change hands 13 different times, the Falcons used their depth as the UTPB bench outscored the Rams' 29-4.  The Falcons pulled away in the final four minutes of the contest to improve to 6-6 on the year. 

UTPB struggled early as Angelo State opened with a 7-0 lead before Louis Crane put the Falcons on the board after making a layup three-and-a-half minutes into the contest.  The Rams would keep the lead until Harrison's free throw with 2:35 left in the first gave the Falcons a 20-19 advantage.  Unfortunately for UTPB, it would be the last points it would score in the half as the Rams went into their locker room with a 25-20 halftime lead. 

The Falcons came out hot in the second half, opening with a 10-2 run thanks to their long-distant shooting ability as Crane drained two three pointers while Elijah Jordan added another.  UTPB's 35-27 lead with 12:44 to play was its largest of the game, but the Rams battled back to tie the contest at 37 with 8:53 to play. 

Both teams exchanged buckets as the lead would go back-and-fourth six different times before Ke'Andre Derrick's layup with 4:16 to play gave the Falcons a 49-48 lead they would not lose the rest of the way.  Crane added another three pointer, his third of the night, with 3:30 left to give UTPB a 52-48 edge. 

A deep three-pointer by Javae King-Gilchrist brought the Rams within one (54-53) with 20 seconds left, but the Falcons were able to convert three of their final four free throws of the night. 

UTPB held the Rams to 34.5 percent shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers which led to 13 extra points. 

The Falcons will open Heartland Conference action on Thursday when they host Texas A&M International at 5:30 p.m. in the Falcon Dome.