LIVINGSTON, Ala. – In what was a back-and-forth game for much of the 40 minutes played Thursday evening, the University of West Alabama men's basketball team (2-10, 0-1 GSC) dropped a tight 71-60 game to Alabama-Huntsville.

With a preseason No. 2 ranking and current No. 13 national ranking, UAH struggled against the Tigers for much of the game. UWA found the net often, shooting 53 percent in the second half, while hitting 43 percent for the game. The stellar shooting night from the floor, coupled with an aggressive defensive game plan kept UAH on its heels for most of the game.

The Tigers gained their first lead on the opening bucket of the contest - a shot that was indicative of Thursday evening's affair. From the start, UWA came out with great effort, getting as close as six before UAH extended its halftime lead to 33-24.

It was the second half where West Alabama gave the Chargers all they could handle. Down by nine, the red and White scored the first five points of the final period to inch closer to the Chargers and make it a four-point game at 35-31 with just over 18 minutes remaining.

From there, the teams went back and forth with West Alabama staying within three points of UAH for the next seven minutes of action. The Chargers proved to be too much in the end, finally taking a 71-60 final.

For the game, UWA saw improved point guard play from newcomer Steven Samuels. In his first game for the Tigers, the New Jersey native scored a team-high 22 points on the evening.

Meanwhile, running a Princeton style offense, the Chargers were paced by Zane Campbell's 17 points in the paint.

The Tigers look to their second game of the Gulf South Conference season when they entertain UNA Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.