MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The University of Montevallo women's basketball team erased a 25-point deficit in the second half against Lander University, but a late 3-pointer by Jamelia James gave the visiting Bearcats enough momentum down the stretch to escape with a 74-71 win over the Falcons in a Peach Belt Conference contest Jan. 4 at Trustmark Arena.

Senior Shay Bonner and junior Taylor Beverly led the Falcons (3-8 overall, 0-4 in Peach Belt Conference) with 25 points each, with Beverly flirting with her second career triple-double with a game-high 15 rebounds and nine blocked shots.

Bonner finished 9-of-14 from the floor and 7-of-9 at the charity stripe, while Beverly finished 9-of-20 from the field and 6-of-9 at the free-throw line. Bonner also finished with six rebounds and a game-high seven steals.

Sophomore Jacquelyn Thompson added nine points, while freshman Ellie Mouyal chipped in five points and 10 rebounds.

James led Lander with 23 points on 8-of-22 shooting from the floor, including 5-of-12 from beyond the arc.

The Falcons jumped out to an early 15-9 lead following a jumper by Beverly with 15:18 remaining in the opening half.

Lander closed the half with a 36-18 run to carry a 45-33 lead into the locker room at halftime. Beverly scored 17 of her 25 points in the first half.

The Bearcats opened the second half with a 18-5 run to take their largest lead in the game following a three-point play by Alyssia Watkins, which gave Lander a 63-38 advantage with 15:06 remaining.

Montevallo responded with a 30-5 run, capped with a layup by Mouyal, which tied the game at 68-68 with 1:22 left in the game.

However, James knocked down a 3-pointer with one minute remaining to put the Bearcats back in front and Lander outscored the Falcons 6-3 down the stretch to hold on for the victory.

The Falcons return to action Wednesday, Jan. 8 with a home game against the University of North Georgia in Peach Belt Conference play.

Tip-off at Trustmark Arena is set for 5:30 p.m.