FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s basketball team picked up a key Peach Belt Conference victory Feb. 1 on the road at Georgia College and State University, 61-47.

The Falcons (8-11 overall, 3-7 in Peach Belt Conference) led almost the entire way using a balanced attack. Montevallo had three scorers in double figures and all eight Falcons who stepped on the court scored at least one point.

Freshman Taylor Beverly led the way with 18 points and five rebounds while hitting 8-of-9 attempts from the free-throw line.

Junior Zena Nasiloski added a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. She also led the team in steals with four points and tied for the lead in assists with three. Senior Tiffany McClure rounded out the double-digit scorers with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.

The Falcons shot 41.1 percent from the field and did not have a 3-pointer all game. Montevallo was equally impressive at the free-throw line, hitting 83.3 percent. The Bobcats shot 38.6 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range. They struggled from the charity stripe, hitting just 60 percent.

Montevallo used a strong defensive effort to force 21 turnovers by the Bobcats, picking up 13 steals.

The Falcons opened the game with six-straight points on the opening three possessions. The Bobcats responded with six-straight of their own and tied the game with 14:28 to play. A few possessions later the Falcons used a 7-0 run to take a 15-8 lead and they never looked bake in the first half as they slowly increased their lead to 29-16 at the halftime break.

The Bobcats were able to pull within five-points of the Falcons midway through the second half but Montevallo responded 10-2 run to open the game back up.

The Falcons will return to action this Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m. as they host Peach Belt Conference rival and defending National Champions Clayton State University.