LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Charles Eaton, Khalil Carter and Demetrius Powe were the only Tigers to come off the bench for West Alabama at Pruitt Hall on Thursday to outscore Delta State's reserves 31-3 in a 72-65 Gulf South Conference victory. The Tigers extended their home win streak to 18 straight, while knocking off the top seeded team in the league.  

West Alabama (13-7; 8-4 in the GSC) improves its overall win streak to five and remain unbeaten in conference action at home since March 2, 2013. UWA is now tied for first place in the conference with Delta State (11-7 and 8-4), West Georgia and Shorter. The loss snaps a four game win streak for the Statesmen.

After a close battle that featured five lead changes in the first half, both teams went into the locker room tied 27-27 at halftime. West Alabama never allowed DSU to take another lead in the second half.

The Tigers limited the top free throw shooting team in the GSC to only 10 points in 13 trips to the line, while hitting 26-of-32; 21-24 in the second half.

"We wanted to make an effort tonight not to foul and be on the attack to draw there fouls," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe. "We did a good job driving to the free throw line and making them."

Charles Eaton, who has been the main free throw threat for UWA all season, finished 9-for-10 at the line and 6-for-12 from the field with 22 total points. He is now 62-for-76 (82 percent) on the season with 233 combined points.

"[Eaton] can really get you out of a jam," Sharpe said. "He can make something out of nothing when we need it and he can really make me look like a good coach."
Kenric McCants led the starters with 10 points shooting 5-for-6 from the line. McCants finished with four assists, followed by Jarell Byrd with three.

Justin Wright and Dakari Mayo led the rebounding effort with seven each. Byrd led the defense with three blocks, followed by Mayo with two.

West Alabama finished 22-for-51 from the field. Delta State posted 24-for-52 lead by David Schmidt with 19 points; 7-for-17 from the field.  

West Alabama will wrap up a five game home stand on Saturday against Mississippi College. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.  

"We just have to stay with what we're doing," said Sharpe. "Our offense has come light-years since the first time we played Delta State. As a result our defense is better. The best defense is a good offense."