LIVINGSTON, Ala. – A stellar 60-percent shooting performance in the second half helped the University of West Alabama men's basketball team stave off a late run from North Alabama, as the Tigers handed UNA an 87-80 loss Saturday at Pruitt Hall.

With the win, UWA picks up its first conference victory of the season, moving the team's record to 3-10 overall and 1-1 in the Gulf South Conference. The Lions fall to 8-5 on the year and even their conference record to 1-1.

After an outstanding defensive performance in the first 20 minutes, the Red and White managed to build a 20-point lead with 13:04 remaining in the game. UWA was then forced to hold off late pressure as the Lions went on an 18-2 run over the next seven minutes.

With the score at 64-61 and close to nine minutes remaining, the Tigers managed to build another large lead. In what was a back-and-forth final half, UWA climbed to a 79-68 advantage before the Lions once again answered the Tigers to get as close as four points in the final minute of play. West Alabama then knocked in key free throws to push the final total to 87-80.

The intense second half was set up by a sluggish first half on the offensive side of the ball for UNA. The Tigers held North Alabama to just 17 percent from the field for the first ten minutes, allowing just eight made shots in the opening stanza.

For the game, UWA was led by junior forward Darrion Booker who took home a double-double with 20 points to go along with 13 rebounds. Also scoring 20 on the night was first-year point guard Steven Samuels. Drawing his second-straight start, Samuels has now totaled 42 points in two games for the Red and White.

UNA had three players score in double figures with point guard Beaumont Beasley hitting 11-of-18 from the field for 30 points. Meanwhile, Theron Jenkins added 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Wes Long scored 15 on the evening.  

Following Saturday's triumph over UNA, West Alabama now travels to Memphis, Tenn., to face Christian Brothers on Jan. 12, before heading to Cleveland, Miss., to take on Delta State on Jan. 14.

Fans can follow the Tigers in every Gulf South Conference game by listening in to ESPN 104.9 or by logging on to uwaathletics.com.