HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The University of Montevallo had the ball with 16 seconds left looking to make it a one-possession game, but back-to-back missed shots in closing seconds capped a 73-68 defeat to the hands of UAH on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday's loss marks the first time all season Montevallo has lost back-to-back games as the Falcons have won at least two every time they were coming off a loss during the 2019-20 season. It's also the first time UM has lost back-to-back games since dropping to West Florida and Delta State to conclude the 2018-19 season.
Montevallo (16-6, 10-4) trailed by three at 22-19 after the first quarter as Selena Pruitt, who finished with 15 points for the Chargers, made a layup opportunity with 40 seconds left to extend UAH's lead after 10 minutes of game action. From there, it was a five-point at halftime after UAH outscored Montevallo, 14-12, during the second quarter.
Montevallo entered the fourth quarter down 52-44, which quickly became 55-44 following an Abbi Holley 3-point basket within the first 20 seconds of the fourth. The Charger lead became 13 soon after as Aryn Sanders made a layup early in the period. As the Falcons continued to cut their deficit during the quarter, UAH continued to respond as by the 4:09 mark of the fourth, the Charger lead was 65-52.
However, a quick 8-0 run had the Falcons down only five with 2:13 to play. But, after Montevallo missed a 3-point shot, UAH knocked down two of four free throws to push its lead to 67-60 with 1:30 left in the game.
Shyan Flack, who finished with a team-high 21 points, cut the Falcon deficit to five with a layup, but Sanders answered with a pair of free throws. A
Marisa Snodgrass 3-pointer made it 69-65 with under a minute remaining in the game, but, again, two more free throws pushed the Charger lead to two possession.
Flack, though, connected on a 3-point shot with 24 seconds left to make it 72-68, before
Kiya Sain stole the ball, but Snodgrass and
Jennifer Andrew both missed shots in the closing seconds to potentially make it a one-score game.
Montevallo returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 13 when the Falcons host Union University at 5:30 p.m.
