CANYON, Texas – The Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M got back in the win column on Thursday night as they outlasted the UT Permian Basin Falcons in Lone Star Conference divisional action, 72-67 at the First United Bank Center during Paint the Floor Pink Night in Canyon.
 
Claire Graham led the way offensively for the Lady Buffs as the junior from Tuscola went 6-of-11 from the floor including 2-of-5 from behind the arc for a team-best 17 points to go along with five rebounds and a steal. Randi Harding contributed 15 points as she went a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe followed by Kyla Kane in double-figures with 13 points and seven boards.
 
The Lady Buffs finished the game going 25-of-58 (41.4%) from the field including 7-of-20 (35%) from deep and 17-of-23 (73.9%) from the free throw line with 40 rebounds (nine offensive, 31 defensive), seven assists, 15 turnovers, three blocks and six steals.
 
Taysha Rushton paced the UT Permian Basin offense as she went 10-of-28 from the floor and 4-of-12 from behind the arc for a game-high 24 points to go along with 10 rebounds for a double-double. The Falcons went 29-of-69 (42%) from the field including 7-of-26 (26.9%) from deep and 2-of-4 (50%) from the line to go along with 38 boards, 18 assists, 11 turnovers, no blocks and three steals.
 
The Lady Buffs return to the floor on Saturday afternoon as they host the rival Belles of Angelo State in a Lone Star Conference showdown on 806 Day with tipoff set for 1:00 p.m.