The University of Montevallo won the first mens’ basketball meeting against cross-county for Southeaster Bible College Tuesday, 89-66, after out rebounding the Sabers, 47-24.

The Falcons stormed out of the gates as they went on a 23-10 run over the first six minutes to build a 13-point cushion. The Sabers were able to battle back into the game cutting the Falcons lead to single-digits just two minutes later. The closest the Sabers would come would be with 4:32 left in the half cutting the lead to 37-33. The Falcons were able to add one more point to their advantage before the end of the half as they entered the locker room up 45-40.

The second half saw the Falcons make a steady climb to the final buzzer as they continued to work on their lead. Their largest lead came with their final basket as they won 89-66.

Junior Gerald January and senior Vernon Lewis posted double-doubles, as the each had 10 rebounds, while January scored 18 and Lewis contributed 14 points. The pair also had a game-high three blocks each. Senior Terrill Humphrey led UM with points, three assists and three steals. Junior Nate Flowers was also in double figures with 16 points and eight rebounds while hitting 6-of-9 from the field.

Junior point guard Dorian Evans dished out a team-high six assists.

Demetrius Coates led SEBC and all scorers with 23 points, while Daniel Hudson followed with 16 points and Andrew Bevil had 13. The Sabers had only 11 turnovers to the Falcons’ 19.

SEBC (10-19) closed its regular season with the loss after playing a mixture of NAIA, NCAA Division III and NCAA Division II teams this season. They are currently not affiliated with an athletic association other than the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association. The Sabers are scheduled to compete in the NCCAA regional beginning Thursday. SEBC is located on Valleydale Road in Hoover.

UM (15-14) will host West Alabama Saturday to close to regular season at 7:30 p.m. A win will clinch a spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament. Five seniors will be honored before the game as part of the senior night presentation.