UT Permian Basin men's basketball was unable to overturn an early double-digit deficit Friday night as the Falcons suffered their first loss of the 2018-19 season in a 75-71 loss against St. Mary's in Laredo, Texas.

An 8-0 run early in the game helped the Rattlers out to a 14-4 lead after the first four minutes. 

The Falcons were able to cut the advantage down to 16-15 behind a 11-2 run featuring a pair of 3-pointers by Kyree Elder.

UT Permian Basin was able to tie the game late in the first half as Jacob Ledoux scored eight points in a row for UTPB to even the game at 27-27 with 4:21 remaining in the half.

UTPB took their first lead of the night five minutes into the second half when a Ledoux three tied the game at 45-45 and a fast-break layup by Elder off of a steal from Adam Rivera put the Falcons ahead 47-45.

Miles Washington hit a pair of free throws a minute later for a 49-47 advantage, but that would be the Falcons last lead of the night as the Rattlers scored five straight to go back on top 52-49.

St. Mary's scored seven straight to go back ahead 61-53 with 8:47 and while the Falcons were able to get within a possession on a Washington layup at 63-60, and later in the final minute closed within two points at 73-71, the Rattlers hit a pair of free throws to seal the game at 75-71.

Ledoux had a breakout night for UTPB in the loss, hitting 8-15 from the field with four 3-pointers for a game-high 20 points and three steals.

Elder scored in double-digits for the third straight game this season, adding 15 points on 6-13 shooting on the night. Rivera led all Falcons with seven rebounds.

Markques Houston led four Rattlers in double figures with 19 points on the night. Caleb Jordan added 18 points with five 3-pointers for St. Mary's.

The Falcons close out play at the Courtyard Marriott Classic Saturday night when they face host Texas A&M International. Tip is set for 5 p.m.