Late Run Lifts Falcons Over Clayton State, 77-68

MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The University of Montevallo men's basketball team (20-5, 10-5 PBC) ended its two-game skid with a 77-68 win over Clayton State University (14-11, 7-8 PBC). The Falcons were led by junior Tauras Dortch (Ensley, Ala./Ramsay) who had a huge double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. He led the team in rebounds, assists and steals and was second in points. Senior Freddy Little (Raleigh, N.C./Bunn) scored 17 points to lead the team in scoring.

Senior Gerald January (Macon, Ga./Westside) had 12 points and five boards while junior Cecil Coleman (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Bay Tech) scored 11 points and had six boards. Senior MarkPlaza (San Diego, Calif./Chula Vista) had 11 points, three assists and nine rebounds. With the three assists Plaza broke the UM NCAA single-season record for assists in a season. He passed Rashien Little (2003-04) who previously held the record with 147 assists during the 2003-04 season. Plaza now has 149 assists this season. Plaza is also just three assists away from tying the UM NCAA career record for assists. The record is currently held by Jamil Jerman (2004-06) who dished out 265 assists from 2004-06.

The Falcons shot 45.3 percent from the field while Clayton was held to 38.9 percent. The Falcons out-rebounded the Lakers 41-26 and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds which led to 17 second chance points. UM also dominated the paint out-scoring the Lakers 24-16.

Both teams traded baskets for the opening minutes of the game. With UM up 10-8 with 15:02 left in the first half the Lakers went on a 16-5 run to open up a 24-15 lead with just 9:38 left. The Falcons immediately responded with a 19-8 run that took the half down to just 43 seconds. A pair of free throws for the Lakers with three seconds left tied the game 34-34 heading into halftime.

The second half was back-and-forth for the first 15 minutes. Niether team gained more than a three point lead in the opening 15 minutes. Down 61-60 with 5:29 left the Falcons went on a 9-0 run that opened up a 69-61 lead with just 2:30 to play. UM held onto its advantage the rest of the way as they hit 6-of-8 free throws down the stretch to win 77-68.

The Falcons will return to action Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. as they travel to Georgia College and State University. GCSU is 20-4 overall and 13-2 in the PBC.