Late First Half Run Downs Falcons, 70-59

AIKEN, S.C. - The University of Montevallo women's basketball team (11-11, 4-8 PBC) gave up a 26-3 run late in the first half which proved to be the difference make as the Falcons never recovered falling on the road to USC Aiken (13-10, 8-6 PBC), 70-59. UM was led by seniors Manal Cali (Northampton, England/Northampton School for Girls), Amanda Scott (Cullman, Ala./West Point) and junior Shan Jones (Hartselle, Ala./Hartselle). All three scored 11 points each and grabbed four rebounds.

Junior Kristen Seigenthaler (Murfreesboro, Tenn./Siegel) chipped in eight points as she hit 3-of-4 from the floor and 2-of-3 from three-point range. Senior Alicia Lewis (Youngsville, La./Comeaux) led the team in rebounds with five and assists with four.

USCA shot 43.1 percent from the field compared to the Falcons 39.3 percent. UM won the turnover battle giving up just 10 turnovers compared to USCA's 13.

The game opened up with both teams trading baskets and the lead. For the first 14 minutes the largest lead was four points by the Pacers. With 6:39 left in the first period the game was tied 17-17. The Pacers began a 26-3 run that lasted 6:19 and opened their lead to 23 with 20 seconds left in the period. A late bank-shot three by Cali closed the gap to just 20 heading into halftime.

UM opened the second half with a 13-5 run that cut the USCA lead to just 12 but that would be as close as they Falcons would come until their final basket. The game remained a 12 to 15 point game most of the second half as both teams were unable to make any runs. A layup by senior Alex Sanabria (Miami, Fla./Miami) with 20 seconds left cut the lead to 11 and that would be how the game ended, 70-59.

The Falcons return to action this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. as they travel to Augusta State. ASU is 1-22 overall and 0-14 in the PBC.