LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Returning home from a three-game stint in the 2011 TicketCity Legends Classic over the Thanksgiving break, the University of West Alabama men's basketball team (1-5) welcomes Columbus State to Pruitt Hall Wednesday evening for a 6 p.m. tipoff.
 
First-year head coach Mike Newell's squad enters the contest in search of a win after dropping five straight following a season-opening victory over Barry College on Nov. 11. Since that meeting, UWA has faced four teams from the NCAA Division I ranks, including last season's NCAA tournament participants Bucknell and Morehead State.
 
For the season, UWA is led by junior forward Ryan Fitch along with newcomer and junior guard Jared Woolfolk. Through six games, Fitch leads the squad with 13 points per game, while Woolfolk paces his team with 4.2 made baskets per contest and 71 total points scored.  
 
Columbus State enters Wednesday's affair after dropping its first game of the season last Saturday evening against Gulf South Conference member West Georgia. Falling by 10 to the Wolves, CSU was held to just a 34 percent shooting performance in the loss.
 
With a 2-1 record, the Cougars are led by Idell Bell who is averaging 15.7 points per game to go along with a near 50 percent shooting percentage. On the boards, CSU is led by Jonathon Murphy who hauls in seven rebounds per contest.
 
Following Wednesday's meeting with Columbus State, the Red and White travel to Columbus, Ga., to face off with the Cougars in a rematch. Start time for that game is slated for 2 p.m.
 
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.