NICEVILLE, Fla. – The University of West Alabama men's basketball team rolled past Barry University Friday, picking up a season-opening 77-46 triumph over the Buccaneers.
 
In head coach Mike Newell's first game at the helm of the UWA men's basketball program, junior forward Jared Woolfolk scored a team-high 20 points, while teammate Ryan Fitch added 15 to lead the Tigers to the impressive win.  
 
UWA came out strong in the first half, holding Barry scoreless until the 16:30 mark of the opening 20 minutes. The Tigers continued to build on their early 9-0 lead, thanks in large part to an outstanding defensive effort. With just 12 points in the first 10 minutes, Barry struggled to find much on the offensive end, as UWA took a 37-26 halftime lead.
 
The game's leading scorer at the break was Woolfolk, who scored 11 points to go along with five rebounds. Meanwhile, Fitch went a perfect 4-of-4 from the field to add eight points for the Tigers in the first half.
 
UWA continued to dominate the Buccaneers in the second frame, as coach Newell's squad shot just over 53 percent for the game from the field. Meanwhile, Barry was held to a 29 percent shooting performance on the day.
 
Competing at the Tom Thumb GSC/SSC Crossover, the Tigers now face Lynn Saturday at Noon.
 
Fans can follow the Tigers all season long on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UWAathletics) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/UWAathletics). Additionally, fans may also sign up to receive SMS text alerts at www.uwaathletics.com.