The Falcon Dome turned into Santa’s workshop Monday night.
“I thought it was so cute,” one student said.
Stuffed animals were in every seat waiting for fans and a special purpose.
“This is great. We have toys on every single seat. We have piles of them in the corners, people are bringing garbage bags full of them,” UT Permian Basin Athletic Director Scott Farmer said.
It was all for the moment following the Falcon’s first basket – more than 2,000 toys soared onto the court. The rules are all in the name: a toy toss. The meaning though, is so much more – each toy will go to a local child in need.
"The Toy Toss was a great success," said head coach Josh Newman. "Those toys are going to make a huge impact in our community. Thanks to all of our fans for helping to make tonight special."
Another student in the crowd says the Toy Toss fits every quality UT Permian Basin holds important.
“It’s our community. A big reason people choose this school is because it feels small and family-like. This really emphasizes that,” she said.
It was also a big night for the Men’s basketball program – the Falcons came three points short of tying their all-time high of 123 points scored in regulation, and were four points away from tying their largest margin of victory (60 points) in the runaway win.
Seven different players ended the night in double-figures for UTPB, with nine scoring at least nine on the evening.
"I thought our offense was very efficient and we did another great job of scoring in transition," said Newman. "Our guys played unselfish and we had quality play from everyone. We have a quick turnaround as we travel to play a very good basketball team in Lubbock Christian."
Before the men’s team hit the road for Lubbock Christian, they spent Tuesday delivering stuffed animals to local charities like Rainbow Room, Harmony Home and local law enforcement.
