FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s basketball team closed out the 2011 portion of its schedule with a 63-57 loss at home Dec. 31 to the University of West Alabama.

The Falcons (5-6) came out in the first half on fire hitting 46.7 percent of their shots and taking a 10-point lead into the halftime break.

The second half was another story as Montevallo hit just 25 percent from the field and converted just seven field goals in the half compared to 14 in the first half. Montevallo saw its double-digit lead disappear as the Tigers took advantage of the cold streak.

Montevallo was led by senior Davia Harris, who had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocks coming off the bench. Senior Shavonne Seymore added 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists off the bench as well.

Montevallo starter Teanna Boxley chipped in 10 points and a pair of steals, while junior Zena Nasiloski led the Falcons on the boards with eight rebounds despite going scoreless.

Montevallo’s bench, powered by Harris and Seymore, outscored the Tiger bench 34-20. Montevallo lost the turnover battle 20-18 but outscored the Tigers off turnovers 12-11. The Tigers won the rebounding battle with a 46-35 advantage including 17 offensive boards.

The Falcons dominated the first half taking it to the Tigers from the start. Montevallo built up an 18-point lead with 2:50 to play in the period, but an 8-0 run by the Tigers to close out the period cut the Falcons’ advantage to just 10.

Montevallo held onto its lead most of the second half but with 9:48 left to play and the Falcons up 49-40 the Tigers began a 17-3 run to take a 57-52 lead with 2:21 to play. West Alabama took its first lead of the game at the 3:19 mark as Nikkia Jordan hit a pair of free throws to put the Tigers ahead 54-52.

Montevallo was able to cut the lead to just two points twice down the stretch but that would be as close as the Falcons would get as the Tigers hung on to win 63-57.

The Falcons will return to action Saturday, Jan. 7 at 12:30 p.m. as they travel to UNC-Pembroke for a Peach Belt Conference contest.