COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Falcons explode past Javelinas, stay tied atop LSC standings

The UTPB Falcons almost got too big a lead Saturday, if such a thing is possible.

Making their final appearance of the season at the Falcon Dome, the Falcons held off Texas A&M-Kingsville 92-78 in Lone Star Conference action to remain tied with West Texas A&M for first place in the conference standings.

The Falcons (22-3 overall, 14-2 LSC) led by 31 points on three occasions, the last at 80-49 with 8:29 remaining, before the Javelinas (11-15, 4-12) embarked on a 16-2 run and outscored UTPB 29-12 the rest of the way. The Javelinas got as close as 12 at 84-72 with 2:15 to go.

UTPB coach Andy Newman said the Falcons’ performance over the first 32 minutes was more than enough to make up for the final eight.

“It was a great game,” Newman said. “We’re playing really, really good right now. It’s tough. You get up 31 and you know they can’t beat you. It’s tough to keep going.

“I’m just really proud of our guys. They’re playing together on one end of the floor, and on the other end they’re playing with some passion.”

Saturday’s game was the final home appearance for nine UTPB seniors.

“I tried not to get emotional in there with those guys today, but I know I will be when we actually do have to say good bye to them,” Newman said. “It’s easier for me now because I know we’re still going to play seven or eight more games.

“They’ve changed this program. They’ve changed our athletic department. For them to be able to go out like they did, undefeated at home and with a chance to win this championship, I’m just really proud of them.”

Daeshon Francis scored 24 points to lead UTPB with Josh Morris scoring 22. James McPherson added 18 points and Sammy Allen recorded his 11th double-double of the season with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Morris and Francis each scored 16 points in the first half as the Falcons took a 51-29 lead, and Newman said the inside-outside combination worked to perfection.

“The two of them together have been playing like that for a long time,” Newman said. “We’re a team that when we get the ball inside of 10 feet on a possession, the next shot’s going in.

“Getting it in to Josh, either off a post feed or when Daeshon or somebody penetrates in there, that’s what we’ve been concentrating on. To see these guys put that into motion and make it work is fun to watch.”

Morris said the duo’s success was nothing new.

“That’s every day,” he said. “The game is really fun playing with them, especially with Daeshon and James, all my teammates. They’re unselfish. I’m unselfish. We all want to score, but if somebody’s open we’re not going to keep it. It’s like clockwork. Everybody eats on this team.”

Texas A&M-Kingsville was led Caelan Neal with 20 points and Derrick Byrd with 18. Johnnathan Lindsey added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Christian Bambrook scored 11 points.

The Falcons shot 62.7 percent for the game (32 of 51) and were 8 of 13 from 3-point range (61.5 percent). The Javelinas went 29 of 71 from the floor (29 of 71), but were able to make up ground by hitting 13 3-pointers.

UTPB scored the first seven points and never trailed. The Falcons led 24-11 midway through the first half and continued to extend the lead until the final minutes.