Falcons Lose Heartbreaker at West Florida, 67-64

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The University of Montevallo men's basketball team (14-13, 5-5 GSC East) fell just short of a victory as the University of West Florida (13-10, 5-5 GSC East) just edged the Falcons, 67-64. The Falcons were led by junior Nate Flowers (Waldorf, Maryland) and senior Terrill Humphrey (St. Augustine, Florida) who scored 17 and 16, respectively. The Argonauts shot 32 free throws compared to the Falcons 13 which created a huge disadvantage for the visiting team.

The Falcons are now tied for fourth in the Gulf South Conference East Division with two games to play. University of Alabama-Huntsville, Valdosta State University and the University of North Alabama have each clinched spots in the tournament. The University of West Florida and Montevallo are tied for fourth at 5-5 while the University of West Alabama sits in sixth at 3-7. The University of West Georgia has been eliminated from contention at 2-8.

Flowers grabbed seven rebounds to go along with his 17 points while senior Vernon Lewis (Dallas, Texas) scored 10 points and snatched a team-high eight rebounds.

The teams went back-and-forth in the opening minutes of the game with neither team gaining much of an advantage. With 11:49 left in the first the Falcons began a 9-0 run to give themselves a 26-19 advantage. UM would hold on the rest of the half to enter the break up 40-36.

The second half began much like the first with both teams going back-and-forth but with 12:14 left in regulation and the Argonauts leading 48-47 UWF went on a 14-4 run to open up an 11-point lead with just seven minutes remaining.

The Falcons immediately went on a 13-1 run of their own to take a 64-63 with just one minute left. The Argonauts hit four free throws down the stretch to win 67-64 as the Falcons failed to convert on two offensive opportunities.

The Falcons return to action Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:00 p.m. as they travel to Valdosta State University.