LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Charles Eaton sank a baseline 3-point field goal with five seconds left to play to lead the University of West Alabama men's basketball to a 73-71 victory over Gulf South Conference opponent, the University of West Georgia, at Pruitt Hall Saturday. The Tigers extend their win streak to four and remain perfect at home at 6-0.
The win ties West Alabama (12-7; 7-4 in the GSC) with West Georgia (12-4 and 7-4), Shorter and Union for second place in the league standings. The loss snaps a three game win streak for UWG.
"West Georgia had some guys make plays that have not done what they did tonight all year," said UWA head coach
Allen Sharpe.
"Some of their guys put up shots that we had backed off of, by design, but were still deflating to us. We figured out a way to get through it and get the win. It's all about defending. Giving up 71 points is about as good as we could do and still be able to win the game. I liked our patience on offense. We knew we couldn't play too fast, because that would've played right into their hands".
The game featured 12 lead changes with Wolves taking a 71-70 lead on a Taylor Cochran layup and free throw with six seconds remaining. UWG maintained its lead through 25 minutes of action, leading 32-27 at the half.
UWA improved from shooting 42 percent (10-of-24) in the first half to 63 percent (15-of-24) in the second, while the defense held the opposition to 27-of-57.
Eaton's game winning basket gave him 18 total points in the game, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and 2-of-4 from the 3-poitn line. He also led with seven rebounds.
"Eaton is really talented," Sharpe said. "We just have to continue to work with him about when to shoot and when to hold off. I am really glad he made that shot, because he was about to get it for taking that shot too soon."
The Tigers were 17-of-19 from the free throw line, led by
Kenric McCants and
Justin Wright who each finished 6-for-6. Wright totaled 13 points and McCants 11 points.
Jarrell Byrd posted a season high of five assists, while contributing eight points.
Dakari Mayo recorded his season high, accounting for all five of the Tigers' blocked shots.
Alex Abreu led the Wolves with 23 points hitting 10 of his 11 shots from the field; 3-of-4 from the 3-point arc.
West Alabama remains at home and in GSC action to face Delta State University on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.
