Unfortunately for the Yellowjackets, the Falcons had other plans.  And UW-River Falls proved to be too much, taking the lead for good midway through the second half and before making several big plays late to hold on for a 92-77 win over UW-Superior at the Karges Center

The loss dropped the Yellowjackets to 7-10 overall and 3-5 in WIAC action while the Falcons improved to 6-11 and notched their first win in league play (1-7).

UW-River Falls got off to a fast start in the first half, getting eight quick points from Zach Peterson to take a 17-14 lead following U.T. Udo's basket with 14:25 remaining in the first half.

The Yellowjackets came right back, getting a three-pointer from Jarrod Peterson (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) and a jumper from Johnquez Brooks (North Las Vegas, Nev./Valley) for a 25-22 UW-Superior advantage at the 7:18 mark.

UW-River Falls scored the next nine points however, to take a 31-25 lead on a jumper by David Berthene with  5:05 showing on the clock and continued to hold the edge for the rest of the first half, resulting in  a 44-40 Falcons advantage at the intermission.

Two quick scores in the first two minutes of the second half by Bronson Byrne (Chanhassen, Minn./Chaska) and Peterson cut the deficit to 45-44 before a three-pointer by Trent Davis (Apple Valley, Minn./St. Bernard's) gave the Yellowjackets a 48-47 cushion with `15:46 left in regulation

But a three-point play by Zach Peterson on the next possession gave the Falcons a 51-48 lead they would never relinquish.

UW-Superior cut the lead to one on three different occasions but could not complete the comeback as the Falcons made several key plays, including a layup by Will Taylor at the 12:54 mark and two more scores from Udo at 14:15 and 11:59, to maintain the advantage.

From there, the Falcons connected on 21 free throws in the final 9:26 to pull away and seal the victory.

Offensively, the Yellowjackets were paced by Brooks with 21 points while Jarrod Peterson (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) finished with 20 points and Davis 16.

The Falcons were led by Zach Peterson's game-high 26 points. Udo finished with 23 points while Arik Smith pitched in with 14.

UW-Superior returns home to face UW-Platteville at Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium on Saturday.  Opening tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.  The game can heard on tape delay starting at 6 p.m. on 91.3 FM KUWS.  Matt Johnson will be on the call.  The game will also be available on the free UW-Superior web stream through the iFan Sports Network.