FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s basketball team led almost the entire game, but a late rally by Faulkner University gave the Eagles a 59-57 win over the Falcons in a non-conference game Dec. 17.

The Falcons (5-5) were led by senior Tiffany McClure, who scored 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals.

Junior Zena Nasiloski added 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks.

Juniors Trena Moore-Smith and Teanna Boxley each added seven points. Senior Davia Harris led the team in rebounds and blocks with eight and four, respectively.

Montevallo shot 40 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three-point range. The Falcons struggled from the free throw line hitting just 50 percent from the charity stripe. The Lady Eagles shot 32.4 percent from the field while hitting 16.7 percent from three-point range. Faulkner also struggled from the free throw line hitting just 41.4 percent of their 29 free throw attempts.

The Falcons held the lead for almost the entire first period but only by one or two points. UM’s largest lead was six points with five minutes left in the period. A three-pointer with five seconds left cut Montevallo’s lead to just one at the halftime break.

With 15:14 left in the second half the Falcons began a 10-0 run to take a 45-33 lead with 11:14 left in the game. Just a few minutes late the Eagles used a 10-0 run to tie the game at 47 with 6:55 left in the game. The Lady Eagles eventually took their first lead of the second half with 58 seconds left in the game on a pair of free throws. With the score stuck at 58-57 the Falcons were awarded a pair of free throws with five seconds left in the game. Montevallo was unable to convert on either attempt. A quick foul by the Falcons sent the Lady Eagle to the line for two with four seconds left. Faulkner was able to convert on one-of-two attempts to take a 59-57 lead. A last second half court heave fell short as the Falcons fell, 59-57.

The Falcons will return to action Saturday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. as they host the University of West Alabama in a non-conference game.