Falcons Use Strong Second Half to Down Hurricanes, 62-58

MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The University of Montevallo men's basketball team (18-3, 8-3 PBC) came back from a three-point halftime deficit to defeat the visiting Hurricanes of Georgia Southwestern State University (5-16, 1-10 PBC), 62-58. UM senior Gerald January (Macon, Ga./Westside) had two blocks in the game which tied him for the single-season record at Montevallo since UM joined the NCAA in 1996. January now has 45 blocks on the season which is tied with Darron Robinson (2006-07) who had 45 blocks during the 2006-07 season.

January had 12 points, four steals and two blocks in the game. The Falcons leading scorer was senior Freddy Little (Raleigh, N.C./Bunn) who had 23 points and was 4-for-5 at the charity stripe. Senior MarkPlaza (San Diego, Calif./Chula Vista) had nine points, nine assists and six rebounds. Junior Cecil Coleman (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Bay Tech) had eight points and a team-high seven rebounds.

The Falcons out-rebounded the Hurricanes 31-24 and outscored them in the paint 29-10.

The game began with both teams trading baskets for the opening seven minutes. With UM up 10-9 with 13:13 left in the first half the Hurricanes began a 9-1 run that opened up a seven-point lead. The Falcons immediately responded with a 10-2 run of their own to retake a one-point lead. UM and GSW exchanged baskets the final three minutes ending the first period with GSW in control 28-25.

The second half began much like the first with both teams trading shots. With 12:37 left in the game and the score tied at 36 the Falcons went on a 10-0 run all scored by Little. GSW immediately responded with a 14-3 run of their own to take a 50-49 lead with 5:26. Down two with 2:20 left in the game UM went on an 8-0 run to take a 61-55 lead with just 20 seconds left on the clock. The Falcons closed out the final 20 seconds winning 62-58.

The Falcons will return to action Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. as they travel to USC Aiken. The Pacers are 12-7 overall and 7-5 in PBC play.