Box Score 


The University of Texas of the Permian Basin men's basketball team nearly erased a 19 point second half deficit Saturday night against Texas A&M Commerce, getting as close as three points from tying the game with just under three minutes remaining, but the Falcons were unable to get any closer in an eventual 84-76 loss in UTPB's second and final game at the 2012 Taco Bell Texan Tip-Off Classic hosted by Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

Trailing 55-36 at 18:16 of the second half, Rob Heyer scored three of his game-high 23 points to jump start the UTPB rally.

Later in the half, the Falcons scored 11 points in a row to close within six points. Madison Turner started the rally with a 3-pointer at 12:20 and Heyer capped the run with another trey  at 10:10 as UTPB trailed 62-56.

The Falcons got the Lion lead down to five near the five minute mark on a Keith Martin layup and a pair of free throws on the team's next possession from Tyler Reynolds.

Martin sunk another layup two minutes later and added an and-one free throw after being fouled on the shot attempt, and a Jereol Walker layup the next time down the court pulled UTPB to within three points at 76-73.

That was as close as the Falcons were able to get as Texas A&M Commerce hit a number of free throws over the game's final two minutes to take the eight-point win.

Heyer was nearly perfect on the night from the field, connecting on his first seven shot attempts as he ended the game 7-8 from the floor, making three of his four 3-pointers while draining all six of his free throw attempts.

The Falcons are off the next two weeks, returning to action Dec. 1 as they play their first home game of the 2012-13 season against Oklahoma Christian.