FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s basketball team (7-10, 3-5 PBC) dropped its fourth-consecutive contest as the UNC-Pembroke Braves used a huge free-throw advantage to pick up a 67-53 victory in a Peach Belt Conference contest Jan. 28.

The Braves hit 90.9 percent of their shots from the free-throw line, while the Falcons hit just 37.5 percent from the charity stripe.

UNC-Pembroke also held a 22-8 advantage in free-throw attempts.

The Falcons (7-10 overall, 3-5 in Peach Belt Conference) were led by junior Tiffany McClure, who had a team-high 15 points and five steals. Senior Jessica Collins chipped in 11 points. Junior Shavonne Seymore contributed six points and a team-high six rebounds.

The Braves outscored the Falcons 10-4 during the opening five minutes of play. UNC-Pembroke eventually pushed its lead to 10 points with 11:15 left in the first half before junior Taylor Welch and freshman Alex Strickland hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the lead to four points.

The Braves responded with six straight points and reclaimed a double-digit lead before ending the first half with a 32-23 advantage.

Collins opened the second half with five-straight points off a 3-pointer and a jumper to cut the Braves’ lead to just four points. Once again, the Braves responded with a small run to take a nine-point lead. UNC-Pembroke continued to hold the Falcons at bay and the lead grew to as many as 16 points with 37 seconds in the contest.