box score
 
The Heartland Conference Tournament is still within the UTPB men's basketball team's grasp as the Falcons pulled out a 52-51 victory over Dallas Baptist.  UTPB now sits at 7-6 in league play with one regular season game left on the schedule. 
 
Jordan McGowen had a chance to either tie or give the Patriots the lead with eight tenths of a second to play as he was awarded two free throw shots, but missed on both attempts, keeping UTPB's post season chances alive. 
 
UTPB is still fighting for one of the top four spots in the league and is still in a must-win situation in its upcoming game against St. Edward's.  Even with a win Saturday afternoon, the Falcons will still need some help to receive the automatic berth.  A loss and the Falcons may have to appear in a play-in game, with the winner advancing to the conference tournament. 
 
It was no surprise the game came down to the final seconds as neither team held more than a five point lead in the second half, although the lead only changed twice.  Dallas Baptist held the lead nearly the entire second half until Mike Akins made a layup with 4:30 left, tying the game at 45.  Louis Crane drained a three-pointer with 3:07 left to give the Falcons the lead for good. 
 
The Falcons would eventually lead 52-47 with 1:18 left, but four-straight free throws brought the Patriots within one.  Ironically, it was two free throws that would be the demise of the Patriots. 
 
The first half was a different story as UTPB led for nearly the entire way, including a nine-point advantage (25-16) with 6:19 before the break when Erick Martin drained a 15-footer.  He led the Falcons with 13 points and five rebounds and a blocked shot.  Mike Akins added 12 points while Louis Crane put in 10. 
 
The showdown with St. Edward's will start at 2 p.m. in the Falcon Dome and while the Falcons hope to come away with a victory, they will also be keeping a watch on the Dallas Baptist/Arkansas-Fort Smith game, which will be played Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Dallas.