UT Permian Basin men's basketball led by as many as 13 points early in the second half Thursday night at Cameron, but the Aggies responded by out-scoring UTPB 49-31 over the final 16:51 in the second half of an 81-76 loss on the road in Lone Star Conference action.

UTPB ended the first half with a five point lead, scoring the final seven points of the half on a 3-pointer by Daeshon Francis, layup from Andrew Poulter and a layup from Renard Thomas right before time expired for a 33-28 halftime advantage.

The Falcons led 45-32 after three minutes of play in the second half as part of a 12-4 run, led by James McPherson with a pair of 3-pointers and eight points.

Cameron ate into the UTPB lead and went back ahead on a 3-pointer after scoring five straight points.

After the Aggies went ahead 72-65 on a 3-pointer, Johnnie Lacy and Francis each hit a pair at the line to pull the game back within one possession with four minutes left. But UTPB was held to just two more field goals the remainder of the game, both in the final seven seconds.

McPherson led UTPB with 21 points, shooting 6-7 from 3-point range on the night and 7-11 total from the field. Francis and Lacy each added 16 points, Francis on 6-10 shooting and Lacy hitting three 3-pointers.

The Falcons combined to shoot 52 percent as a team and 47 percent from 3-point, nailing 10 on the night from deep.