FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo men’s basketball team struggled offensively as the Falcons suffered their first loss of the season Nov. 26 to visiting University of North Alabama, 72-67, in the Coca-Cola Classic at BankTrust Arena.

Montevallo (6-1) was led by senior D.J. Rivera, who scored 25 points, grabbed seven boards, dished out four assists and made four steals. Junior Jonas Brown added 18 points and shared the rebounding lead with Rivera with seven boards.

Rivera hit 14-of-16 from the free-throw line, but was just 5-of-20 from the field. Brown hit 7-of-14 from the floor, but just 2-fo-6 from 3-point range.

The Lions took advantage of their 3-point shooting as they made 12 3-pointers and shot 46.2 percent from 3-point range. Beaumont Beasley led the Lions with 26 points, while Theron Jenkins added a double-double with 18 points and 15 boards.

Montevallo was slightly out-rebounded 39-37 and both teams had 13 turnovers.

The Falcons led throughout the first half, but a Beasley 3-pointer with no time left on the clock tied the game at 34-34 heading into halftime. Montevallo took the early lead in the second half, but the Lions quickly took control and held the lead for most of the second period.

The Falcons cut the lead to just one point with 20 seconds left, but missed shots and four UNA free throws gave the Lions the five-point victory.

The Falcons will return to action Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3:30 p.m. as they host Georgia Southwestern State University in their Peach Belt Conference opener.