UT Permian Basin freshmen Gabe Nelson and Caleb Leake each scored a pair of touchdowns on the night, but Western New Mexico took a 47-28 win against the Falcons Saturday night at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, N.M.

The Falcons found themselves in a hole after their first of seven turnovers on the night, four fumbles and three interceptions. The Mustangs held a 13-0 lead early in the first quarter after a blocked punt for a touchdown, and a fumble on a bobbled pass that was taken into the end zone for a score.

The Falcons got their first points when Nelson ran in from three yards out for the team's first touchdown, set up earlier in the drive by a 42-yard pass by Leake to Caleb Forrest and a 24 yard pass to Kobe Robinson.

Nelson added his second touchdown of the night early in the second quarter, rushing in from 14 yards out to pull within 20-14 40 seconds into the second quarter.

Leake rushed for his first score of his career early in the second half, running up the middle for 88 yards to pull the Falcons within 26-21 with 9:19 remaining in the third quarter. 

The Falcons scored again early in the fourth quarter when Leake threw the first touchdown of his career, finding Kobe Robinson from nine yards out in the back of the end zone to pull within five points at 33-28. 

The Falcons were held scoreless over the remainder of the game while Western New Mexico added a pair of scores over the last 14 minutes.

Leake ended the night throwing for 115 yards and leading the Falcons with 116 rushing yards on 16 carries. 

Nelson added 58 yards on only nine carries with a pair of touchdowns. 

Forrest led the UTPB receivers with 78 yards on four receptions.

The Falcons are back at home this upcoming weekend, taking on West Texas A&M Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.