FLORENCE, Ala. – North Alabama edged out West Alabama 72-68 in Gulf South Conference action at Flowers Hall Thursday, snapping the Tigers best win streak in nine years of six games.

North Alabama won its third straight contest to improve to 9-11 and 6-8 in the GSC, where it ranks eighth. West Alabama entered the game tied for first place, but drops a spot in the league standings at 14-8 and 9-5; tied with Union and Alabama Huntsville.

UNA led by 11 points with less than five minutes to play in the first half, but the Tigers were able to cut the deficit down to three with under a minute left. A final jump shot by Brandon Herman sent the Lions into the break ahead 36-31 and shooting 14-of-26 from the field; 4-of-10 3-point field goals.   

With 1:45 left to play, UWA took its seventh lead of the game (fifth of the second half) at 62-60. UNA regained the lead at the free throw line with Herman hitting 4-for-4 in the span of 30 seconds. West Alabama outscored the Lions 37-36 in the second half, but 90 percent (18-for-20) free throw shooting in the second half propelled UNA to victory.

"UNA put us on our hills pretty quickly," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe.

"They had a lot more urgency than we did, especially in the first half. We have to be smart enough to win games. There were a couple of possessions towards the end where we fouled one of their best shooters and he made each shot. We have to have good players, we have to execute, but we also need to be smart."

North Alabama totaled 22-for-24 free throws, led by Nathan Spehr, who posted 20 points, while hitting 10-for-10 at the line. Herman finished 6-for-6 with 11 points.  

The Tigers' field goal percentage improved from 38 percent (13-of-34) in the first half to 48 percent (12-of-26) in the second. Justin Wright led with 18 points; 10 in the first half. Jarell Byrd followed with 11 points.

"Our offense was lacking tonight," Sharpe said. "It hasn't been the same as it was in the last six games. We were just out of sync tonight. Give UNA credit though, they had a lot to do with that."

Dakari Mayo posted his career best of seven blocked shots, recording six in the second half.  Mayo now owns 48 on the season.

West Alabama will return home to face Alabama Huntsville on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Pruitt Hall.