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The University of Texas of the Permian Basin men's basketball team finally got on the win column in the Heartland Conference as the Falcons took a 67-56 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State. 
 
Thanks to 53 percent shooting from the field and 20-of-25 made free throws, UTPB snapped a five-game losing skid and improved to 7-11 overall and 1-5 in league play.  Three different players scored in double-figures with Branden Harrison leading the way with a game-high 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting, while Ke'Andre Derrick and Erik Martin put in 13 and 12 respectively. 
 
The Falcons trailed the first 2:07 of the game, but a pair of made free throws by Klein Harper tied the game at four and they would never trail again.  UTPB would lead by as many as 11 in the first half thanks to a 12-4 run capped off with two freebies from Derrick.  The Falcons would go into the locker room with a 32-27 halftime lead. 
 
The momentum would continue in the second half for UTPB as it would take a 46-35 lead after two more free throws and would lead by as many as seven the rest of the way. 
 
Despite being out-scored 32-26 in the paint, the Falcons took advantage of their chances at the charity stripe by hitting 80 percent from the line, including 85.7 percent in the second half. 
 
The Falcons will look to stay in the win column when they step out of conference play on Tuesday to take on Angelo State at 7 p.m.