FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s basketball team used a strong second half to down visiting Georgia College and State University and keep its postseason hopes alive following a 51-41 in a Peach Belt Conference contest Feb. 18.

Montevallo (10-14 overall, 5-10 in Peach Belt Conference) used a total team effort to pick up the win with just one player reaching double figures. Senior Tiffany McClure led the team with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Junior Zena Nasiloski chipped in nine points and nine boards, while junior Trena Moore-Smith and senior Davia Harris each scored eight points. Harris added five rebounds as well.

Sophomore Alex Strickland and freshman Taylor Beverly added six points each. Strickland grabbed eight boards while Beverly nabbed seven.

Both teams struggled offensively with Montevallo shooting just 27.8 percent from the field, while Georgia College and State did not do much better with 30 percent. Montevallo was just 2-of-13 from 3-point range and GCSU was just 5-of-18. The biggest difference in the game came at the free throw line where the Falcons hit 90.5 percent (19-21) and the Bobcats hit just 60 percent (6-10).

The Bobcats jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead and eventually built it up to a 10-point lead at the 5:48 mark of the first half. The Falcons then began a furious comeback outscoring the Bobcats 9-0 over the final five minutes of the half to cut the lead to just one at the break.

UM continued to chip away at the lead in the second half and with the game tied at 29 the Bobcat bench was called for a technical foul. Moore-Smith connected on both free throws to give the Falcons their first lead of the game at 31-29. UM would not trail again the rest of the game as they went on an 8-2 to open up an eight point lead. Both teams struggled to score down the stretch but the Falcons success at the free throw line help UM build its lead to double digits as time expired, 51-41.

The Falcons will return to action this Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 4:30 p.m. as they travel to Clayton State University for another Peach Belt Conference contest.