James McPherson scored 21 points in the first half and UTPB men's basketball held a 53-33 halftime lead, one the proved large enough to withstand a West Texas A&M late comeback as the #13 Falcons defeated #8 WTAMU 106-100 in early-season Lone Star Conference action.

McPherson was feeling it in the first half, hitting a number of long jumpers in connecting on 7-12 from the field, including three 3-pointers, in the opening 20 minutes as UTPB shot 58 percent from the field while holding West Texas A&M to just 24 percent overall and 1-16 from 3-point range.

UTPB led by as many as 26 points on a six-point run when McPherson connected on two at the line after a WTAMU technical, Sammy Allen hit a lay up on the ensuing possession, and McPherson turned a steal into a fast-break layup to lead 63-37 with over 14 minutes to play.

West Texas A&M started to heat up in the final six minutes, pulling within 15 on five straight points by David Chavlovich.

The Buffs got it to single digits on seven straight points in 32 seconds on three straight possessions following a pair of UTPB turnovers to trail 98-89 with 1:34 remaining.

Jordan Collins later got West Texas A&M within six on a pair at the line, but three free throws on four attempts on the next two UTPB possessions gave the Falcons a safe nine-point lead with three seconds to play to wrap up their biggest win of the early season.

Sammy Allen double-doubled in the second half, scoring 17 points on 6-6 shooting from the field with 10 rebounds. He ended the game with 23 points on 9-10 shooting and 14 boards, leading all players in rebounding.

Daeshon Francis scored double figures in both halves, ending the night with 24 points and three assists. 

McPherson led all players with 31 points, hitting 5-10 from 3-point range.

Josh Morris hit 8-10 overall FG attempts for 17 points to go with nine rebounds, and Renard Thomas led all Falcons with six assists.

Chadlovich led five Buffs in double figures with 30 points, scoring 24 in the second half as WTAMU made its run.

UTPB is off the next two weeks, traveling next to Austin, Texas, for a non-conference game at St. Edward's.