LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama Men's Basketball opened the 2015-16 season by defeating the reigning NCAA Division II National Champions, Florida Southern 90-78 in Pruitt Hall Friday.

UWA opens its season 1-0 for the first time since 2013. Florida Southern, who was picked preseason 15^th by the NCAA Division II Preseason National Media Poll, falls to 0-1.

"This win is good for us because we have so many new guys this year," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe. "There may have been some doubt and some questions about buying in, but winning, and against Florida Southern, should really get guys to buying into what we are preaching."

Five Tigers posted double-digit scoring marks, led by Deontaye Ewing with 17 points. Simeon Dennis finished with 15 points after leading the Tigers with 10 in the first half. Dennis shot 5-of-7 from the field in the first half to end 7-of-14. Ewing hit 5-of-9 of his shots from the field and sank his only 3-point field goal attempted in the game.

Khalil Carter ended with 13 points; 10 in the second half. Jahmal Lane totaled 12, followed by Acie Vance with 10.

Dakari Mayo led the defense with five blocked shots in the first half. He ended with six total; one less than his career best. UWA led the rebounding effort 47-28. In his debut, Tyler Chaisson led the Tigers with 15 boards. 

"We won the game in the first half by defending," Sharpe said. "We have a chance to be really balanced offensively, which makes us a better team. Our inside presence makes a big difference, defensively. Dakari erases a lot of layups. He's really important for us defensively, but he made some big plays on offense tonight as well."

The Tigers shot 47 percent from the field (29-of-62) throughout the game, and held the Mocs to 37 percent (23-of-61). Dylan Travis led Florida Southern with 22 points, shooting 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.

The game closed out the first day of the Gulf South Conference and Sunshine State Conference round robin tournament hosted by UWA. Eckerd fell to Delta State in the first game of the day 87-77.

"Tomorrow is going to be tough," said Sharpe. "It will be a short turn around for us, but it will be for Eckerd too. They are in the same boat as we are, but the schools from the Sunshine State Conference are all really good. I think they are going to play better tomorrow than they did today."

West Alabama will face Eckerd on Saturday at 2 p.m., following the Delta State and Florida Southern matchup at Noon.