Box Score

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin picked up its ninth straight win Saturday afternoon, but more importantly moved up into first place in the Heartland Conference after defeating Oklahoma Panhandle State 84-53 Saturday afternoon in Goodwell, Okla.

The Falcons now control their own destiny over the remainder of the conference schedule after St. Mary's lost 55-53 at home against Newman.

UTPB held a comfortable lead for much of the contest, using a seven point run on a pair of free throws by Giselle Loya, a shot by Teisha King and 3-pointer by Brianna Dominguez to lead by double digits at 15-5 seven and a half minutes into the game.

An 11-point run that included threes from King and Loya that ended with a basket by Taniqua Ards increased the Falcons lead to 27-10, and UTPB held the same 17-point lead at the end of the first half as it headed into the break leading 41-24.

UTPB never led by fewer than 15 points in the second half and built its advantage up to a 26-point lead at 58-32 behind a 10-point swing as the Falcons hit four straight field goals.

The 31-point margin of victory is their second largest of the season and highest in Heartland play this season.

Ards led the Falcons in scoring for the seventh time this season, scoring a season-high 26 points on 9-14 shooting from the field while making 8-10 free throws. She also led the Falcons on the glass, grabbing a game-high seven rebounds. King poured in 16 points, making 6-9 field goals and a pair of threes on the day. 

Whitley Coca paced OPSU with 18 points on the day.

UTPB stays on the road this coming week, heading to Arkansas-Fort Smith Thursday, Feb. 14 at 5:30.