MONTEVALLO – The Falcons overcame a double-digit deficit behind a strong contribution from their bench to beat Auburn University Montgomery 90-85 in the Gulf South Conference opener for both teams. With the win, UM improved to 3-6 and 1-0 in the GSC, while AUM slipped to 2-6 and 0-1.
 
Guards Xavier Malcom and Braxton Bertolette each scored 23 points to lead the Falcons. Malcom was 6-for-10 from the field with five three pointers. He also was perfect from the freethrow line, draining all six of his attempts. Meanwhile, Bertolette came off the bench to give the Falcons a huge spark. He hit 6-of-12 fieldgoals, including a trio of 3-pointers and was 8-for-8 from the line.

Guard James McNeil added 17 points to the mix, while fellow backcourt mate Travarus "Bob" Carroll had 13 points and 4 assists off the bench for his first game since recovering from an injury.

The UM bench was key in the win, outscoring the Warhawks reserves 38-22. In addition, the Falcons were razor sharp from the charity stripe making 19-of-20 attempts.
 
The Falcons had to scramble to stay within striking distance in the first half, trailing by as much as 10 on three separate occasions. UM trimmed the deficit to 42-35 by the break.
 
In the second half, the Falcons quickly closed the gap by forcing four early turnovers and outscoring the Warhawks 13-4 in the first five minutes. McNeil gave the Falcons their first lead with a basket with 15:00 left to give the Falcons a 48-46 lead. 
 
Later in the half, Carroll had a spectacular stretch, scoring seven straight and dropping a three assists to ignite the crowd and leading the Falcons to their largest lead of the game at 80-71 with 3:38 left. The Warhawks were able to add some drama late, trimming the UM lead to three with 12 seconds and again with three seconds left, but the Falcons held on down the stretch.
 
The Falcons will have a little time off before taking on Mississippi College at Trustmark Arena on Sunday, Dec. 12. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.