ODESSA, Texas --- A Will Willis 3-pointer with 14:14 remaining in the game cut Western Colorado's deficit that was once 18 points in the second half down to seven at 60-53, but that's as close as the Mountaineers got the rest of the way as they fell to University of Texas-Permian Basin 96-85 in their season opener Friday night at the Falcon Dome.

WCU (0-1) trailed 59-41 with 17:24 remaining before a pair of Josh Tomasi free throws ignited a 12-1 run over the next three minutes that included a Connor Shaw 3-pointer and buckets by Cole Sienknecht and Tomasi. But the Falcons (2-2) followed with an 11-0 run over the following three minutes to increase the lead back to 18 as the Mountaineers couldn't get it within single digits the rest of the game.

Tomasi, a 6-foot-10 freshman, had an impressive collegiate debut for WCU as he finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9-for-14 from the field and 10-for-14 from the free-throw line. Senior guard Monroe Porter had 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals while Sienknecht had 10 points.

The Mountaineers shot 45.2 percent from the field, including 41.7 percent (10-for-24) from 3-point range - but UTPB shot a scorching 58.5 percent from the field, including 43.5 percent (10-for-23) from 3-point range.

WCU returns to action 4 p.m. (MT) Saturday as they travel to take on No. 7 West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas.