UT Permian Basin men's basketball survived a first half that saw its two leading scorers open the first 20 minutes scoreless as the #21 Falcons left San Antonio with a 74-65 win over St. Mary's in its final game before Lone Star Conference action kicks off this week.

UTPB saw a 23-17 lead towards the end of the first half disappear behind an 11-2 run by St. Mary's, the last nine points coming on 3-pointers on three straight trips down the floor, and the Falcons trailed 32-29 at the half after the Rattlers scored the final four points of the first.

The Falcons leading scorer, Daeshon Francis, came out in a flurry in the second half after being held without a point to start the game. Francis ended the night with 16 points, hitting all five attempts at the line and a 3-pointer as UTPB out-scored St. Mary's 45-33 in the second half. 

UT Permian Basin was uncharacteristically cold from 3-point range, hitting just 2-11 on the night from downtown. 

Francis and Josh Morris each ended the night with 16 points for UTPB. Morris was a perfect 7-7 from the field with six rebounds, while Francis had a team-best four assists and nine boards.

Sammy Allen double-doubled with 15 points and 13 rebounds, his second straight game with double digit boards.

Zeldric King added 12 points off the bench on 4-5 shooting.

UTPB takes on Eastern New Mexico to open LSC play Thursday night at 8:30 in Portales, N.M.