UTPB Women's Basketball started off strong Saturday afternoon against Rogers State, but the hillcats prevailed on a day when shooting woes hampered both teams in a 56-49 defeat of UTPB.

Both teams struggled from the field, with Rogers State hitting 34.5 percent of its field goals to just 27.9 percent by UTPB, but the Falcons started out hot, grabbing an 8-2 lead on six straight points with a layup by Jau'nae Peevy, free throws from Khadijah Vigil and layup by Niniva Taito. UTPB held on for a 15-13 lead at the end of the first when Rogers State scored the final three points of the quarter.

UTPB lost the lead in the second quater and despite hanging within a possession or two with Rogers State, never regained the lead. 

The Falcons were able to get within a three-pointer in each the third and fourth quarters, but never quite got over the hump as the Hillcats extended their lead each time.

Taito led all palyers in the game with 13 points for the Falcons.

Courtney Smith was one of three players in double digits for Rogers State, scoring 12 points off the bench.

UTPB is back in action Thursday night, taking on St. Edward's Thursday night at 5:30 p.m.