LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Eckerd College survived a second half rally by West Alabama Men's Basketball to defeat the Tigers 82-78 in overtime at Pruitt Hall on Saturday.

Eckerd clinches its first win of the season to improve to 1-1 overall. UWA drops to 1-1.

After Eckerd led the entire first half, Obi Kyei extended the Tritons lead to 31-28 with a layup as the clock expired. The Tigers rebounded in the second half by outscoring EC 38-35 and sending the game into overtime tied at 66-66.

"There is not much difference between a win and a loss," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe. "We had two lane violations tonight that gave them a point and took a point away from us. If you eliminate just one of those we win the game in regulation. You never know which possession will be the difference between a win and a loss."

In extra time, the Tritons completed 3-of-5 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free throw line to cement the win. West Alabama shot 5-of-11 from the field in overtime.

Jerrick Stevenson led Eckerd with 22 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field (3-of-6 3-point field goals) and 9-of-10 at the free throw line.

Simeon Dennis led the Tigers offense, setting his career best of 20 points, hitting 3-of-6 from the 3-point line. Kahlil Carter shot 12-of-13 from the free throw line to tally 16 points, while Deontaye Ewing finished 7-of-17 from the field with 15 points.  

UWA out-rebounded the Tritons 42-30, led by Dakari Mayo with 10 total boards. He finished with two blocks.

"We've had a good start to our season, but we let one slip away tonight," Sharpe said. "We just didn't make enough game winning plays to win the game."

West Alabama will open its road schedule on Tuesday at Stillman College. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Tuscaloosa, Ala.