FLORENCE, Ala. – In what was a back-and-forth contest for most of the 40 minutes played Saturday evening, UWA went nearly seven minutes without a basket as the Tigers fell to UNA by a score of 65-56 in front of 1,612 spectators at UNA's Flowers Hall.
 
West Alabama now moves to 6-16 overall and 3-6 in the Gulf South Conference, while North Alabama improves to 13-8 on the season and 5-4 in the GSC.
 
With 7:02 remaining in the game, Head Coach Mike Newell's took a slim 48-47 advantage over UNA, leading up to what would be a decisive 17-2 run by the Lions. From that seven-minute mark of the final period, UNA held the Tigers scoreless for over six and a half minutes to put the final total at 65-56.
 
The final moments of the game overshadowed a well-played contest by UWA through the first 30 minutes Saturday. In a game that featured six ties and 21 lead changes, the Tigers actually held a slim 35-30 advantage at the half with a 41 percent shooting performance through the first 20 minutes of action.  
 
That halftime lead quickly disappeared as UNA scored the first eight points in the final half and used a 41 percent shooting performance in the last frame to put some distance between them and the visitors.
 
For the game, UWA was led in scoring by point guard Steven Samuels. Samuels made 6-of-15 from the field for 17 points, while teammate Darrion Booker added 10 points and seven rebounds on the night. Meanwhile, UNA's Warrick Mastin led all scorers in the game with 23.   
 
West Alabama now hosts No. 10 Christian Brothers Thursday evening at Pruitt Hall. Opening tip is slated for 7:30 p.m.
 
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