Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –  Alabama-Huntsville gave West Alabama a taste of its own medicine in Sunday's Gulf South Conference championship game, parlaying a tenacious defense into an 18-point halftime lead and never looking back on the way to defeating the Tigers, 82-59, Sunday at the Pete Hannah Center.
 
“UAH was just too much for us today,” UWA head coach Craig Roden said. “They have been on a mission the entire tournament and played very, very well.”
 
In winning its first two games in the conference tournament West Alabama had given up an average of just 46.5 points per game. UAH led 48-30 at the half and limited the Tigers to 8-of-28 field goal attempts (29%) while making 19-of-34 (56%).
 
UWA managed to finish the game shooting 32 percent and cut the lead to 14 with 15:52 left, but it was too little too late for the Tigers.
 
“They were changing defenses early on and it really bothered us, plus we made defensive mistakes that led to easy baskets for UAH,” Roden said. “We didn't do a good job of attacking and they were on the move. If Huntsville keeps playing and shooting as well as they are now they are going to make some noise in the NCAA Regional.”
 
West Alabama ends it season with a 14-15 record, having played in the GSC championship game the last two seasons. UAH, who outrebounded the Tigers 50-31, advances to NCAA Region play later this week with a 15-16 record.
 
“This is a great day for our program and a great group of women to work with,” UAH head coach Roy Heintz said. “We showed who we really are over the last three weeks and at this tournament.”
 
Nikkia Jordan ended her UWA career by scoring 30 points to lead all scorers. Jamie Gunter chipped in 13 points for the Tigers. Jordan and Brittany Weathers were named to the GSC All-Tournament Team.
 
Jasmine Hammond and Jordan Smith both scored 17 points to lead UAH scoring. Bailee Robinson chipped in 13. All three were also named to the all-tournament team, with Smith earning Most Outstanding Player for the tournament.
 
“You can't take anything away from our kids, who have been playing shorthanded all year because of injuries,” Roden said. “We didn't have the kind of year we wanted or expected, but these seniors raised the bar for this program playing in the last two GSC title games and winning one.”