VALDOSTA, Ga. – Converting on turnovers and posting a stellar effort in the paint led the University of West Alabama women's basketball team to a 61-57 win over Coastal Georgia in the opening game of the Valdosta State hosted Days Inn Classic. The victory gives UWA its first back-to-back wins since February of last season.

The Tigers (3-7) changed 18 CCG miscues into 19 points in the win while the Red and White tallied 32 points in the paint besting the Mariners in the category by 12. UWA posted 12 fast break points in the second 20 minutes of action while the Tiger bench outscored CCG 13-4 during the span.

Brittany Weathers paced a trio of Tigers in double figures with 17 points. The Hattiesburg, Miss., native also pulled down a team-best 13 boards in the triumph. The double-double is the fourth of the season for the junior.

Nikkia Jordan posted 15 points while Jamie Gunter added 10 points off the bench. Each has scored in double figures four times this season while the double digit performance for Gunter marks the second straight outing.

A back and forth affair the first half, UWA found itself trailing 29-28 at the intermission, but the Red and White responded well in the opening minutes of the second stanza. The Tigers opened the second half of play with a 14-5 run to gain a 42-34 advantage with just over 14 minutes to play. UWA kept the pressure on and reached its largest lead, 59-49, with 1:23 left in the contest on a three-pointer by Weathers.

CCG attempted a run at the Tigers' lead, pulling within 4 points in the waning seconds, but couldn't overcome the deficit.

Brittany Clark led the Mariners with 13 points while Courtney Saunds chimed in 12 with 10 points coming from Crystal Chaney. Gwen Fernandez pulled down 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

West Alabama returns to action on Friday, Dec. 16 as the Tigers close out the pre-holiday slate against Columbus State in the Days Inn Classic. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m.