FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s basketball team once again dropped a heartbreaker, this time to Augusta State University 64-59 in a Peach Belt Conference contest Jan. 28.

The Falcons (7-11 overall, 2-7 in Peach Belt Conference) trailed by as many as 17 points in the second half, but used a furious comeback to cut the lead just one point with 1:12 left on the clock. However, that would be as close as the Falcons would get.

Montevallo was led by freshman Taylor Beverly, who scored 16 points. Junior Teanna Boxley chipped in 14 points, while senior Shavonne Seymore led the team in rebounding with six and scored nine points.

The Falcons had a terrible first half hitting just 22.6 percent of their shots but after a 62.5 percent performance in the second half they ended the game shooting 40.0 percent. The Jaguars shot 48 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three-point range. They also went a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line to secure the victory.

Augusta State won the rebounding battle 36-28 but lost the turnover battle 20-15. Montevallo scored 24 points off of Augusta State’s turnovers, while Augusta State scored 16 off the Falcons’ miscues.

Montevallo and Augusta State played even basketball for the opening seven minutes of the game. With the score tied 10-10 with 13:02 left in the opening period the Lady Jags went on a 9-0 run to take a comfortable lead. Over the final seven minutes of the period they grew the lead to 12 points as time expired.

Augusta State continued their momentum into the second half and eventually took a 17-point lead with 12:58 left in the game. The Falcons began a 15-5 run, powered by senior Tiffany McClure, senior Davia Harris and Boxley. Augusta State would hold the Falcons at bay for the next few minutes but with 2:35 left on the clock and the Falcons down 60-52, Montevallo began a 7-0 run with a 3-pointer from sophomore Alex Strickland and a pair of baskets by Beverly. After an Augusta State jumper gave the Jags a 62-59 lead with 44 seconds left on the clock, the Falcons turned the ball over and a pair of free throws sealed the ASU victory, 64-59.

The Falcons will be back in action this Wednesday Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. as they travel to Georgia College and State University for a Peach Belt Conference Western Division matchup.