FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s basketball team fell on the road at Columbus State University 55-46 in a Peach Belt Conference contest Feb. 15.

The Falcons (9-14 overall, 4-10 in Peach Belt Conference) were led by freshman Taylor Beverly, who scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Senior Davia Harris chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, while junior Zena Nasiloski added seven rebounds.

Senior Tiffany McClure added seven points, four assists and five steals.

The Falcons shot 35.6 percent from the field while hitting just 2-of-9 from both the free-throw line and the 3-point line. The Cougars connected on 41.5 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from 3-point range. The Cougars also struggled from the free-throw line, hitting just 50 percent.

The Cougars outrebounded the Falcons 41-35 while Montevallo won the turnover battle 16-13.

Montevallo never led in the game as the Cougars jumped out to a quick start hitting seven of their first 10 shots. Columbus State opened the game on a 18-8 run over the opening six minutes. Montevallo was able to cut the lead to just six points with just over a minute to play in the first half, but four-straight points by the Cougars gave Columbus State a 10-point lead heading into halftime.

Columbus State maintained the double-digit lead most of the second half with its largest lead coming at the 7:07 mark, 53-38. Montevallo outscored the Cougars 6-0 in the final 4:30 of the game to cut the lead to 55-46.

The Falcons will return to action this Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. as they host Georgia College and State University in a key Peach Belt Conference Western Division matchup. The game will also be Montevallo’s annual Play4Kay event to benefit breast cancer awareness.