MONTEVALLO, Ala. - Coming into Saturday afternoon's game, the University of Montevallo women's basketball team had never defeated the USC Aiken Pacers, losing all seven previous matchups. It was a completely different story Saturday; the Falcons led the entire game and earned a convincing 74-53 win over the Pacers.
The first points of the game came off a three-pointer by Montevallo sophomore Jacquelyn Thompson. This long range basket by one of the Peach Belt Conference's most prolific three-point shooters set the tone for the rest of the contest.
Montevallo had a consistent attack the rest of the half and held a 30-23 advantage over USC Aiken after the first 20 minutes.
The Pacers scored the first five points in the second half, but they were unable to overtake the Falcon lead. The Falcons never trailed in the game, and the Pacers were never able to even tie the game up. By the time the final horn sounded, the Falcons had pulled away for a 21 point win, 74-53.
Great shooting in the second half by Montevallo helped catapult them to victory, shooting 50% from behind the three-point line and 92.3% from the free throw line. The good shooting performance in the second half was led by Ellie Mouyal and Carrington Caise. Mouyal hit three of the four three-pointers she attempted, and Caise hit all six of her free throws.
For the game, the Falcons shot 45.8% from the field and held the Pacers to just 37.7%.
Montevallo's offensive attack was again led by All-Conference player Taylor Beverly. Beverly nearly recorded a double-double in each half, with 15 points and 7 rebounds in the first half and 13 points and 9 rebounds in the second half. In all, the junior from Brandon, Miss. had 28 points and 16 boards.
Shay Bonner added to her impressive defensive numbers, recording four steals.
Thompson was the second leading scorer for the Falcons, scoring 13 points.
Montevallo will look to earn another conference victory this Wednesday when Georgia Southwestern comes to Trustmark Arena. This will be the last home game before the Falcons begin a three game road trip.
Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
