With the season winding down and postseason play on the line, the University of Montevallo women’s basketball team (8-17, 4-6 GSC East) picked up a huge Gulf South Conference East Division victory over the University of West Florida (8-17, 3-7 GSC East) Thursday, 57-47. The Falcons are now in sole possession of fourth place in the GSC East with a conference record of 4-6.

The University of West Georgia as well as Valdosta State University have clinched their spots in the GSC tournament. Just ahead of the Falcons is the University of North Alabama with a 6-4 conference record and behind the Falcons in a three-way tie for fifth are the University of West Alabama, the University of West Florida and the University of Alabama-Huntsville all at 3-7.

UM was led by junior Alicia Lewis, who poured in a game-high 24 points for her fourth 20-plus point performance in the last five games. She connected on three 3-pointers and led the team with five free throws. Sophomores Carrie Parrott and Shan Jones each fell just shy of a double-double. Parrott scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Jones had eight points and eight rebounds.

The Falcons out-rebounded UWF 47-35 and had a season-low nine turnovers.

UM took the early lead in the game, opening up a 17-11 advantage over the first 10 minutes of play. The Argonauts responded with a 9-0 run to take a 20-17 lead with just six minutes left in the first half, but the Falcons did not panic as they slowly worked their way back into the lead eventually leading 25-24 at intermission.

Montevallo opened up the second half with a 10-0 run sparked by a Lewis 3-pointer just 30 seconds into the period. UWF was able to cut the Falcons lead to just one but UM would not relinquish its advantage as they led the entire second half. The game ended with the Falcons up 57-47 and in the midst of a 8-1 run.

The Falcons will now head to Valdosta State University for a Saturday night affair on Feb. 21 at 5 p.m.