MONTEVALLO – The Falcons put an end to a four-game losing streak, beating Oakwood University 87-72 on Wednesday night at Trustmark Arena. With the win, the Falcons improved to 2-6 on the season.
 
Four Falcons scored in double digits, led by senior guard Xavier Malcom who finished with 20 points. Malcom shot 76%  from behind the arc, knocking down 5-of-9 shots. Fellow backcourt mate Jason King added 16 points, to go with eight rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, Braxton Bertolette scored 14 points off the bench. He was also efficient from long range, hitting 4-of-6 from the three-point line. Guard James "JC" McNeil wrapped up the double-figure scoring with 12 points and six assists.

The game got off to an unusual start as the Falcons scored the first point of the game before tip-off. Oakwood was tagged with a technical foul for neglecting to put their starting lineup in the official book prior to the 10-minute mark of the pregame. But, the Ambassadors would pull ahead early, leading by as much as seven. But, UM pulled ahead when Bertolette drained a 3-pointer to give the Falcons a 20-19 lead with 8:55 left in the half. 
 
The Falcons stiffened on defense, forcing several turnovers and capitalizing on the offensive end. UM put a some distance between themselves and the visitors, taking a 42-26 lead in to the lockerroom at the break. The Falcons were not only dangerous from the perimeter, but effective in the paint, scoring 26 in the first half..
 
The Falcon lead grew to as much as 23 in the second half before settling for the final margin. A pair of freethrows by King gave UM its largest lead of the game at 55-32 with 15:33 remaining. 

For the game, the Falcons hit 32-of-63 fieldgoals, including 10-of-22 from downtown. UM also outrebounded Oakwood 36-31 and outscored the Ambassadors 40-28 in the paint.
 
Montevallo will open the Gulf South Conference schedule on Saturday, Dec 4. against Auburn University-Montgomery. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m.