CANYON, Texas (October 26, 2024) – The University of Texas Permian Basin football team scored on each of its first three possessions of the game and the defense forced three turnovers as UTPB took down West Texas A&M University by a score of 21-7 on the road on Saturday night at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium. In addition to being back-to-back wins against the Buffaloes after an overtime win at home last season, this was the Falcons' first-ever victory in Canyon, Texas.

The second play of the game for the Falcons and first pass for freshman quarterback Issac Mooring went 54 yards down the right sideline to Ben Patterson for six points.

UTPB's second drive was much more methodical, lasting 12 plays and 63 yards and taking nearly five minutes off the clock before a 17-yard rushing touchdown on third-down-and-four by Tyler Cleveland, who ran hard all night long and did a great job taking advantage of his starting opportunity.

The third drive saw the Falcons march 92 yards down the field before a three-yard touchdown rush by Mooring on fourth-and-one.

After coming up with an interception at his own seven-yard line in the final two minutes of the first half, Dante Heaggans again kept the Buffaloes from cutting it to a one-score game as he added an interception in the back right corner of the endzone with 10:23 left in the fourth quarter.

Thanks to Heaggans, the Buffs were 0-for-2 in the redzone while the Falcons were 2-for-2. UTPB was also an effective 8-for-15 on third downs.

On the next WT drive, the Buffs were again driving within the UTPB 30-yard line, but a forced fumble by Yemi Oyesanya was recovered by Jalon Rocquemore to give the ball back for the Falcons, who would then be able to run out the final five minutes of the clock.

The Falcons kept WT to just three possessions in the second half, limiting their chances at a comeback.

First downs were a narrow 19-18 advantage for UTPB and passing yards were 218-210 in favor of WT. Rushing yards, however, were 185-98 Falcons, who also led 395-316 in total yards.

Mooring finished 11-for-20 passing for 210 yards and the opening touchdown of the game. He also rushed for 43 yards and a score and was one of three Falcons with over 40 rushing yards.

Patterson hauled in four of Mooring's completions, and in addition his 54-yard score on the first touchdown, finished with 161 yards total receiving yards.

Cleveland led the way on the ground, running 16 times for 87 yards and his first touchdown as a Falcon. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry while Kory Harris ran 14 times for 47 yards.

The defense was paced by Tristan Exline with 12 total tackles, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.

Ashton Hamby added eight tackles and a sack for three yards.

In addition to his pair of interceptions, Heaggans matched Frank Mulipola with five tackles.

Lastly, Rafael Vargas punted four times for 163 yards, which was an average of 40.8 yards per punt. His long was 48 yards.

UTPB improves to 5-4 overall and 4-3 in the Lone Star Conference, and keeps its chances at a postseason Bowl Game alive. WT sees its two-game winning streak snapped and falls to 3-5 and 3-3.

During its current three-game winning streak on the road, the UTPB defense is allowing just 7.67 points per game.

After a "Week 9" bye week next week, UTPB will continue its three-game road trip to finish the season at Eastern New Mexico University. Kickoff between the Falcons and Greyhounds will come at 1 p.m. Central Time / 12 p.m. Mountain Time from Portales, New Mexico.