UT Permian Basin women's basketball came out on fire Tuesday night and rode a hot first quarter to an 81-61 win on the road at Sul Ross in its final game before 2018.

The Falcons got a pair of baskets late in the first by Jasmine Spriggins to double up the Lobos 18-9, and closed out the quarter with the final six points, three coming on a Sierra LaGrande 3-pointer in the final seconds of the quarter to lead 24-10.

The Falcons rode a big second half by Kayla Bretherton as the junior scored 15 points after halftime, hitting 6-9 from the field to score 21 points in each of the third and fourth quarters of the 20-point win.

Bretherton ended the night with a season-high 21 points to lead UTPB in the win. Khali Pippins-Tryon added 13 points in the victory as all 10 players to score for UTPB scored at least four points on the night. Jackie Perez added six assists for UT Permian Basin to lead all players.

The Falcon defense was tenacious on the night, forcing 29 turnovers and collecting 20 steals, one short of their season high. Six players grabbed at least two steals on the night, led by Spriggins with four.

UTPB is back in action after the holiday break, returning to Lone Star Conference play at home against Cameron on Jan. 4th at 5:30 p.m.