Pat Dembley did everything for the Falcons Saturday night, going toe to toe with the Lone Star Conference's leading scorer Brian Halums.  Dembley scored 28 points with six rebounds and six assists, but it wasn't enough to keep up with UA Fort Smith as the Falcons fell 78-75.  Halums came into the game leading the LSC and was fifth in the country in scoring with 26.6 points per game.

The game went back and forth early, but it was the Lions (10-12, 6-10) that grabbed momentum first after back to back threes.  The Falcons (15-11, 8-9) answered right back, with a three by Dembley and a lay-up by Elvin Rodriguez.  After trading baskets, Dembley tied things on a three and Carson Newsome put the Falcons back in front with free throw.  Needing momentum, the Falcons closed the half strong.  Back to back threes by Deaute Lee and Adam Rivera after a Dembley basket put the Falcons up 34-30 heading into the locker room, closing on an 8-1 run.

Both sides traded seven straight baskets to open the second half.  The Lions slowly built took the lead before a quick run put them up nine with 10:40 to go.  A 5-0 Falcon run with three Dembley free throws and a monster Rodriguez dunk put the Falcons right back in the game.  The Lions rebuilt their lead to eight with just under four minutes remaining.  Five points by Dembley and a Donoven Carlisle dunk got the deficit within one.  The Lions kept ahead but twice Adam Rivera answered keeping the Falcons within one.  That was as close as they'd get as the Lions hit free throws down the stretch to stay ahead.

Miles Washington was the only other Falcon in double figures with 11 points and added six rebounds.  Off the bench Adam Rivera had eight points and six boards while Rodriguez also added eight points off the bench.  

The Falcons begin a three-game road trip next week, starting the week in Austin on Thursday against St. Edward's.