ODESSA, Texas (December 5, 2024) – Makala Bingley hit five 3-pointers and scored a game-high 20 points as The University of Texas Permian Basin women's basketball team got back into the win column with a 71-54 win at home over Texas A&M International University on Thursday evening.

The Falcons are now 4-3 overall on the season and improve to 2-0 in the Lone Star Conference while TAMIU drops to 0-7 and 0-2.

In addition to her scoring output, Bingley shot 7-for-14 from the field and 5-for-11 from three and added seven rebounds as well.

Taysha Rushton scored 15 points, Khiara Flugence finished with eight points and 10 rebounds, and Avalon Munoz had five points and five assists to aid the Falcons' cause.

After eight lead changes in the first quarter alone, the Falcons took a 3-point lead (22-19) into the second quarter after an and-one by Nikki Green.

UTPB would hold onto the lead the rest of the way, leading by as many as 10 points (31-21) in the second quarter after a layup by Bingley at the 5:37 mark in the period.

In the opening minute of the third quarter, the Dustdevils twice cut their deficit to just four points following a 3-pointer, but a pair of timely 3-pointers by Tamia Flores off the bench gave the Falcons a spark and pushed their lead out to 12 points (46-34) with 4:25 left in the quarter.

Another score by Green in the final minute of a quarter, this time in the third quarter, made it a 16-point UTPB lead (54-38) heading into the final period of action, where the lead would never dip below 14 points.

The Falcons made five 3-pointers in the third quarter while limiting the Dustdevils to just three made field goals (3-12).

The Falcons then capitalized at the free throw line in the final period, making eight of 11 attempts.

"Our players worked hard all week on certain areas that were a big focus for us in tonight's game," said Head Coach Rae Boothe. "They did a great job in taking strides in those areas in how they performed tonight. We are back to work tomorrow to get ready for a talented Kingsville team on Saturday."

UTPB will stay at home to host Texas A&M University-Kingsville at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.