MONTEVALLO, Ala. -- The Montevallo men's basketball team held off West Florida 81-75 on Thursday night at Trustmark Arena. The win helped the Falcons keep pace in the crowded bunch battling for a spot in the Gulf South Conference tournament field. UM improved to 11-13 and 9-7 in the GSC, while UWF fell into a tie with the Falcons in the conference and 15-8 overall. 

Guard Xavier Malcom was lights-out, shooting a sizzling 7-for-11 (63.6%) from his favorite place, behind the three-point line. He led the Falcons in scoring with 23 points. Guard Braxton Bertolette added 14 points and six rebounds and guard Jason King also dropped in 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Guard James McNeil had 13 points and five assists, while forward Aaris-Monte Bonds contributed 11 points in his return to action after an extended absence.

Wendell Matthews led UWF with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Daniel Sofield tallied 17 points.
 
Montevallo lead by as much as eight points in the first half, but the Argonauts rallied to tie the game 38-38 by halftime. The Argonauts got their first lead of 42-38 early in the second half. UM fought back to reclaim the lead and the issue see-sawed back and forth. With 6:06 left, UWF took a 69-68 lead on a jumper by Latrell Tate. The Falcons went on a 9-0 run that appeared to be the dagger as UM rolled up an 8-point, 77-69 lead with 3:39 left. 
 
The Falcons saw their lead melt away as UWF got within one possession at 78-75, but the Falcons withstood the charge and held on for the win.
 
The Falcons will honor the 2022 senior class during pregame prior to the matchup against Valdosta State on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Trustmark Arena.

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