COLUMBUS, Ga. - The University of Montevallo women's basketball team started their conference schedule on Saturday afternoon when they traveled to Georgia to take on the Columbus State Cougars. The Falcons were able to control the overwhelming majority of the contest, but lost the lead in the final minute and fell to the Cougars 63-60.

Montevallo was quickly able to put distance between themselves and Columbus State because of an early 11-0 run that turned a 7-11 deficit into an 18-11 lead.

The Falcons would carry the seven point lead until halftime, and they went to the locker room with a 40-33 advantage.

It was a slow start to the second half for each team, with only three baskets scored between the two teams in the first five minutes.

A back and forth second half finally saw the Cougars cut the lead to three with a little less than nine minutes to go. It was the first time they had cut the Falcon lead to less than five since there was 7:50 remaining in the first half.

Columbus St. took their first lead of the game since the beginning of the first half with 34 seconds to go in the game. The Cougars were able to make their free throws and earn the 63-30 victory.

Junior Taylor Beverly, the Peach Belt Conference's leading scorer, again led the way for Montevallo. She had 23 points and 12 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the year.

Senior Shay Bonner had another balanced game, scoring 13 and recording eight rebounds. She added an assist and a steal. 

Sophomore Jacquelyn Thompson added some offense off the bench, scoring 11.

The Falcons will be back in action with their conference home opener this Tuesday, December 17th.

They will be taking on GRU Augusta, and the tip is set for 5:30 p.m.