UT Permian Basin led for just 72 seconds on Saturday, but it was the most important 72 seconds of the game. Trailing by 18 early in the third quarter, the Falcons stormed back to stun Arkansas – Fort Smith on their home floor. The 61-59 win was the Falcons fourth in the last five games and keeps them alive for a spot in the Lone Star Conference playoffs.
A 9-0 run early in the third pushed the Lions lead to 18, but from there the Falcons went to work.
Rory Carter knocked down a jumper and was followed by a three-point play from
Alexus Wykoff and five points from
Diavian Spencer to get back within 10. Free throws from
Morgan Helgesen and a Wykoff bucket trimmed the deficit to single digits before the Lions stretched the lead back to 12. Late in the quarter
Holly Hemmeline knocked down a three to make it a nine-point game heading into the final quarter.
The Falcons started the final frame with a 6-0 run to make it a one-possession game. Wykoff made it a one-point game with just under six minutes to go before the Lions responded with a three. The Falcons would not be denied the comeback as moments later Helgesen tied the score for the first time since the opening minute. After trading points, Wykoff found room in the lane for the layup and gave the Falcons their first lead of the day with just 72 seconds on the clock. Free throws pushed the lead to five before a three by the Lions at the final buzzer ended the game.
Hemmeline led the offense with 15 points, all coming from beyond the three-point arc.
Kamari Portalis finished with 11 points and made some clutch free throws down the stretch. Wykoff had 10 points off the bench. The Falcons dominated the turnover battle, forcing 26 to just 13. They used that to their advantage turning it into 24 points.
The Falcons return home for the final week of the regular season. They'll face UT Tyler on Thursday before taking on Texas A&M – Commerce on Senior Day Saturday. Download the UTPB Athletics App for the latest news on your favorite Falcon teams.
