UT Permian Basin suffered its first Lone Star Conference loss of the season Tuesday night, falling 78-50 on the road at one of the nation's best teams in a 78-50 loss at #7 West Texas A&M.

The Falcons kept the game close throughout the first quarter and trailed 20-17 when Niva Taito hit a 3-pointer on the team's last offensive possession of the first 10 minutes.

Briana Caro brought the Falcons within six points on a shot from beyond the arc to trail 33-27 with 2:39 remaining in the first half, but the Lady Buffs closed out the half on a 10-2 run to grab a 14-point lead at halftime.

West Texas A&M kept the pressure up after halftime, outscoring the Falcons 35-21 in the second half.

Heather Crittenden led the Falcons with season-highs in both points and rebounds, grabbing her first double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 boards.

UTPB is back on the road this weekend, taking on Texas Woman's Saturday afternoon in Denton, Texas.