LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Looking for the squad's third conference win of the season, the University of West Alabama men's basketball team (4-12, 2-2 GSC) hosts Valdosta State Thursday evening at Pruitt Hall. Students are encouraged to attend with free Domino's Pizza being handed out before the women's basketball game. Tip time for the men's contest is slated for 7:30 p.m.
 
Head Coach Mike Newell's team enters Thursday's affair after a brief break from Gulf South Conference competition, as the Tigers lost in the final seconds to Auburn Montgomery Monday, 65-64. Prior to that defeat, UWA picked up a GSC victory over rival Delta State, 74-58, this past Saturday.
 
UWA has been led throughout the GSC season by point guard Steven Samuels. For the year, Samuels is leading the team in scoring with 19.2 points per game in five contests. Meanwhile, three other Tigers average double figures in scoring, with forward Ryan Fitch second on the team with 12.0 points per game.
 
Valdosta State comes into the affair with a 7-7 overall record and hoping to improve on a sluggish 1-3 start in GSC play. The Blazers are coming off two 14-point defeats to Alabama-Huntsville and UNA last week.
 
In a series history led predominantly by a strong Blazer team year in and year out, the Tigers will be looking to snap a nine-game losing streak against VSU, with West Alabama's last win coming in a 68-59 triumph during the 2005-06 season.
 
Following the battle against VSU, the tigers hit the road for another conference tilt when UWA travels to Pensacola, Fla., to take on West Florida at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
 
Fans attending Thursday's game will also have an opportunity to shoot in the Econo Lodge $10,000 shootout. Those interested can sign up at the entrance of Pruitt Hall.