MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of West Alabama men's basketball team held the third best shooting team in the Gulf South Conference, Christian Brothers University, to 33 percent from the field as well as a season low of points scored to win, 58-49, Saturday at Canale Arena.

West Alabama improves to 7-6 overall and 3-3 in the GSC. Christian Brothers drops to 5-4 and 3-3. The Buccaneers entered the game averaging 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from the three-point line. The Bucs finished 21-of-63 from the field and 5-of-21 from behind the arc.

"We really needed this win to stay in the hunt," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe. "We stepped up to the challenge, did a good job defending and held on to win. There are not many times you can come into Christian Brothers and win, but we'll take it anytime."

Lleon Tillman tallied 11 points and eight rebounds in the second half and finished with 15 points and 10 boards for his third double-double of the year. He shot 6-for-10 from the field. Justin Wright also notched his third double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.  Deontaye Ewing recorded a season high 14 points, shooting 5-for-11 from the field.

After falling behind 3-0, the Tigers went on a 14 point run through the opening 10 minutes. The defense allowed only 15 more points throughout the remainder of the half, to lead the Buccaneers 25-18 at the break.

The defensieve pressure continued in the second half, with the Tigers holding CBU scoreless for the first five minutes and to 11 points in the following 10 minutes. In the final five minutes, the Bucs scored 15 points to make a late run at the Tigers.    

The Tigers maintained the lead, shooting 11-for-15 from the free-throw line in the second half, 14-of-19 for the game. CBU was able to complete only two free-throws in 13 attempts, missing its first nine.  

UWA's defense limited Trey Casey, the GSC's third leading scorer with 19 points per game, to two points in the first half and Sidy Sall, the league's fifth leading scorer with 17 points per game, to four points in the first half. Casey finished with eight and Sall with 10. Jeff Larkin led Buc scoring with 12 points.

"We did a good job of limiting their best scorers, especially in the first half," Sharpe said. "We've also been doing a decent job from the free-throw line here lately. To make more free-throws and get more attempts than your opponent is a stat that usually gets you a win."

West Alabama men's hoops will return to action on New Year's Day against Auburn-Montgomery at Pruitt Hall Gym. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.