UTPB women's basketball used a 16-point scoring run in the first half to retake the lead as the Falcons went on to defeat Oklahoma Panhandle State 75-65 in Heartland Conference action Saturday afternoon in Odessa.

Trailing 17-7 with 12:45 remaining in the first half, UTPB got a 3-pointer from Brianna Jones and a pair behind the arc from Brianna Dominguez to cut the gap to 17-16. Four free throws later and UTPB held a 20-17 advantage, one that was extended to six points on a 3-pointer from Valerie Barriga.

UTPB grabbed the lead heading into half when Barriga hit a pair at the line with six seconds remaining to give the Falcons a 28-27 lead at the break.

They came out and dominated the pace on offense in the second half, scoring nine of the first 11 points and leading 37-29 on another three from Jones.

UTPB never led by fewer than five in the rest of the game, and responded then by scoring the next six points on a pair of threes from Jones.

Jones led all players on the day with 20 points, hitting 6-of-9 attempts from 3-point range. Giselle Loya and Barriga each contributed 16 points on the afternoon for UTPB.

Tatyana Bell had 16 points and 11 rebounds for OPSU, leading the Aggies in both categories.

UTPB is back on the road next week, traveling to UA Fort Smith Thursday night for a 5:30 p.m. contest.