A&M-Commerce 80, UT-Permian Basin 65
Location: Recreation and Convocation Center • Austin, Texas
Records: A&M-Commerce (1-1); UT-Permian Basin (0-2)
Up Next: vs. Dallas Baptist • Tuesday, Nov. 13 • 7 p.m. • The Field House
AUSTIN, Texas – Four Lions finished in double figures as A&M-Commerce built a commanding 16-point halftime lead and notched its first victory of the 2012-13 season, defeating UT-Permian Basin 80-65 at the St. Edward's Shootout. The Lions improve to 1-1 on the year while the Falcons drop to 0-2.
A&M-Commerce was efficient from the floor all evening, shooting 55.6 percent for the game, including a blistering 63.3 percent in the second half. Stefon Carson led the way for the Lions, finishing with 13 points and three assists with Quince Jackson adding 12 points and three assists as well.
Devondrick Walker contributed 11 points and four rebounds off the bench, shooting five-of-seven from the field, while Andrew Davis notched his second double-double in as many night, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds and was named to the Shootout All-Tournament Team. Tyrie Wooten added nine points with Jason Smith notching eight points, five assists and two rebounds.
After falling in a early hole against host St. Edward's Friday evening, A&M-Commerce seemed destined not to repeat history. The Lions came out aggressive from the opening tip, racing out to a 21-5 lead at the midway point of the first half. A&M-Commerce would then keep a double-digit lead on the Falcons, matching their 16-point advantage with a 34-18 lead at the half.
The Lions extended their advantage to 19 early in the second half following a lay-up and a free throw from Kenny Brown. Leading 53-38 with 13 minutes remaining, UT-Permian Basin put together a 10-2 run midway through the second half, pulling to within seven at 55-48.
But A&M-Commerce would respond with a run of their own, outscoring the Falcons 18-5 over a five-minute span, building its biggest lead of the night with a 20-point cushion at 73-53. From there, the Lions would keep the Falcons at bay, earning the 80-65 victory in the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
UT-Permian Basin shot 44.9 percent from the floor, but was hitting just 33.3 percent of its shot in the first half, including going 0-for-8 from three-point range. Colton Thompson paced the Falcons with 18 points and six rebounds while Dominique Brooks added 16 points and six assists. Rob Heyer posted a double-double for UT-Permian Basin with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
A&M-Commerce now prepares for its 2012-13 home opener when the Lions host Dallas Baptist on Tuesday, November 13 at the Field House. The Lions and Patriots tip-off at 7 p.m. as the game will be streamed live at LionAthletics.com.
