MONTEVALLO, Ala.- The University of West Florida Men's Basketball team fell to the Montevallo Falcons 81-75. The Argos are now (15-8, 9-7 Gulf South Conference). Wendell Matthews had a season high 26 points, while getting a team high eight boards.
 
The start of the game saw West Florida take a brief 4-2 lead but ultimately the Argos trailed until the final minute of the half. The Argos went into halftime tied with the Falcons at 38 all. Matthews led UWF in scoring at the half with 10 points, while Daniel Sofield found a spark late in the first half and added 8 points.
 
West Florida was 16-28 from the field on 57 percent shooting. Montevallo was able to force five turnovers and make six three-pointers in the first half to control much of the tempo. The Falcons ended the first half shooting 14-33 from the field on 42 percent shooting.
 
UWF was first to strike in the second half and went on a 5-0 run before UM scored and eventually tied the game. The second half saw both teams battle until the very end before Montevallo went on a late run to solidify the win. The Falcons outshot the Argos in the second half going 14-26 from the field for a 53 percent field goal percentage. The Argos had a field goal percentage of 51 percent after going 17-33 from the field.

"I thought our effort was good again," Said Head Coach Jeff Burkhamer.  "We struggled to get stops when we needed them.  And then, offensively we missed a couple of close shots and missed two front ends of one and one that really hurt.  We are close but just haven't been able to close out games lately.  Our league is not forgiving.  You have to earn winning and we've been a couple of possessions short lately.  We have another tough challenge on Saturday."
 
Montevallo's ability to make three pointers was a key factor in tonight's loss for West Florida. Montevallo knocked down 12 three-pointers compared to West Florida's two.
 
The two teams were evenly matched throughout the game with  UWF and UM having 33 rebounds, 16 assists and eight turnovers each . There were eight ties and 13 lead changes throughout the game.
 
Sofield finished with 17 points and all nine Argos who saw action scored at least two points. Overall UWF went 33-61 from the field on 54 percent shooting.
 
West Florida will travel to Auburn Montgomery on Saturday, Feb.12. Saturday's game will begin at 4 P.M from the AUM Athletics Complex. Live Stream | Live Stats
 
How to follow the Argos: For complete information on UWF Men's Basketball follow the team on Instagram @UWFMBB and Twitter @UWFMENSBBALL.