CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The University of West Alabama men's basketball defense held Lee University to a season low points allowed by a Tiger opponent in a 71-55 Gulf South Conference victory at Walker Arena Monday.

West Alabama improved to 9-7 overall and 4-4 in the GSC by shooting 57 percent from the field (27-of-47) and 54 percent from the 3-point line (6-of-11). Lee dropped to 9-4 and 4-4 as UWA held the Flames to 40 percent (18-of-44) field goals.  

"I'm very proud of how our guys defended tonight," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe. "We had a good intense shoot-around today, which I think set the tone for us. We were disappointed with how we played at Shorter and we bounced back here tonight. It's now time to string a few wins together."

The Tigers led 32-23 at the break, limiting the Flames to 27 percent (6-of-22) from the field, while the offense sank 12 of 23 attempts. UWA maintained its lead in the second half by not allowing the deficit to fewer than 10 points and leading by as many as 17. The Tigers improved from 52 percent in the first half to 62 in the second.  

Kenric McCants and Khalil Carter each recorded a season best scoring performance. McCants had 12 points in the first half hitting five field goals in six attempts. He finished with 21 points and 9-for-11. Carter tallied 13 points; eight in the second half.

"What is amazing about Kenric is that he has been limited to one hand. He cannot dribble with his right hand and he ends up with 21 points," said Sharpe. "He is probably our toughest competitor."

Jarell Byrd, Lleon Tillman and Justin Wright each added double-figure scoring marks to the offense; Byrd and Tillman each with 10 and Wright with 11.

Dakari Mayo set a season high with four blocked shots; all in the first half. He entered the game ranked fourth in the league with 22 blocks on the season.

"Dakari is a difference maker," Sharpe said. "He did an excellent job of eliminating their points in the paint. We made it a point to get him more minutes tonight and obviously he needs to keep playing as much as he can."

West Alabama out-rebounded the Flames 26-19, led by Byrd and Tillman with nine each. The Tigers also led 42-24 points in the paint.

Lee's leading scorer, Cory Billingsley reached his season average of 17 points in the game, finishing 5-for-8 from the field. UWA's defense held him to only 2 points in the first half.

West Alabama now returns home to face West Florida in just its fourth home game this season on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.