UTPB made an early second half run at cutting down a 13-point halftime deficit, but couldn't get over the hump as the third-seeded Falcons were eliminated out of the semifinals of the 2015 Heartland Conference Championships with a 78-70 loss against #2 St. Edward's Friday night at Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio.

Texas-Permian Basin had to dig out of an early hole as St. Edward's opened the game with the first 11 points of the night through the first 3:14.

The Falcons trailed by 16 points later in the first half when the Hilltoppers went on a 10-0 run to grab a 30-14 lead with 7:14 left and fell behind by as many as 17 points.

UTPB rallied later in the night, cutting down a 46-32 Hilltopper advantage after halftime to a five-point game behind an 11-2 stretch in under three minutes.

St. Edward's rallied, getting the next seven points to take the score back to a double-digit lead.

The Falcons got the advantage into single digits three times in the final 13 minutes, but were unable to get closer than eight points through the remainder of the contest.

Madison Turner led UTPB with 17 points on the night while Codye Hatcher had a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds, seven on offense.

Ramir Burton led all scorers with 25 points for St. Edward's.