UT Permian Basin Women's Basketball hung early with No. 22 West Texas A&M, but a tough third quarter sank their chances of the upset, falling 83-64 to the Lady Buffs in Canyon.
 
The Falcons (2-6) looked strong in the first quarter and finished strong on a 7-1 run that ended the period tied at 18. Nokoia White scored five of her team-high 15 during the run, while Lauren Stallworth added a layup.
 
Jada Berry hit back-to-back threes to give the Falcons a four-point lead early in the second quarter, but the Lady Buffs (6-1) closed strong and went into the locker room at the half up 40-32.
 
The Falcon offense got back into rhythm early in the fourth quarter after struggling through much of the third. Avalon Munoz started the run with a pair of free throws, Karyssa Jackson scored a layup after a Berry steal, and Rory Carter ended the run with a three-pointer.  The team battled and was only outscored by one, in the first and fourth quarters.
 
White tied her career-high scoring 15 points with Berry also eclipsing double digits with 12 points and shooting 4-of-7 beyond the arc. Morgan Helgesen led the team with seven rebounds and a block. Carter created offense with six assists.
 
The Falcons hit the road next week as they take on St. Edward's with the first game scheduled for Thursday.