MOBILE, Ala. – The University of West Alabama's bid to snap South Alabama's undefeated streak fell short as UWA (0-1) dropped a 20-10 decision in front of 21,158 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Thursday evening. USA improves to 1-0 on the season and pushes its win streak to 18 games.

“We have a team that spilled their guts on the field tonight,” UWA head coach Will Hall stated. “They gave us everything they had tonight and fought hard. We just came out on the short end of the stick tonight. This game has no bearing on our Division II season and we have to turn our attention to a tough Tarleton State team next week at Tiger Stadium.

“Coach Jones and his staff have a great team here. They work really hard just like we do. These are two of the most upcoming teams in the State of Alabama today,” Hall said.

West Alabama finished the game with 268 yards of total offense compared to USA's 356 on the night. Gary Johnston finished as the Tigers' leading rusher with 72 yards and passed for 101 in the setback. Gerald Worsham concluded the night with five receptions and 44 yards. The five catches ties him with Matt Carman for tops in program history with 172.

The Jags scored on their first drive of the contest as C.J. Bennett scored from 18 yards out - capping a nine-play, 80 yard drive.

Following stalled drives on their first two attempts, the Tigers finally found pay dirt on a Johnston 3-yard run late in the first quarter. The score was set up by a 31 yard rush by T-Ray Mitchell – which stood as the longest play from scrimmage for the Red and White at that point. Brock Sharp's PAT tied the contest at 7-all.

Otha Foster finished the night with a pair of picks – both coming in the second quarter to halt Jag drives. The Angie, La., product finished tied for second on the team in tackles with six. Gabe Poe totaled 12 on the evening.

Kendall Houston put the Jags back in front with 7:47 remaining in the third quarter as he scampered in from two yards out. USA's PAT attempt failed leaving the score at 13-7 following the 11-play, 78 yard drive.

The Tigers pulled within three points on the foot of Ryne Smith's 22 yard field goal. The field goal was the first of the career for the Madison, Miss., native.

The Jags however weren't finished scoring as USA took the following kickoff and drove 66 yards on seven plays. Houston capped the scoring drive with his second TD of the game –this time from10 yards out to increase the lead to 20-10. Houston finished the night with 78 yards on 11 carries to lead the Jaguars. Bennett threw for 151 yards in the win.

The Red and White took the following drive down to the Jags 18 yard line, but a Johnston's pass on third down was intercepted at the goal line.

West Alabama returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 10 as the Tigers host Tarleton State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Broadcast coverage of the Tigers' home opener begins at 5:30 p.m. from Tiger Stadium.

Fans can follow the Tigers 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