LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Christian Brothers University survived a late second half surge to defeat West Alabama 62-57 in Gulf South Conference men's basketball action at Pruitt Hall on Saturday.

The loss drops UWA to 5-6 overall and 2-4 in the GSC, while CBU improves to 5-6 and 4-2.

The late surge was spearheaded by Acie Vance who led the Tigers with 15 points – all scored in the final seven minutes of the game.

The Buccaneers built its largest lead of the game to 11 points with 12:14 left to play, but Vance his last three consecutive 3-point field goals to cut the deficit to two points with 14 seconds left to play.  

Drew Hildreth and Cody Garbuzinski both protected CBU's lead with at the free throw line. Both finished with 12 points, while Hildreth finished 4-for-4 at the line and Garbuzinski 4-of-5.

Combined the Buccaneers totaled 19-of-25 free throw shooting, while UWA tallied 14-of-21. Jeff Larkin led Christian Brothers with 15 points, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and 6-of-9 free throws. CBU led 28-14 points in the paint and 14-4 second chance points.

Shooting woes plagued both teams in the first half with a 21-17 score at the break. West Alabama improved from 23 percent (6-of-26) from the field in the first half to 54 percent (12-of-22) in the second. The Tigers shot 5-of-7 (71 percent) from behind the arc in the second half. CBU finished 41 percent (19-of-46) from the field and 23 percent (5-of-21) from beyond the arc.

Deontaye Ewing hit four of his five attempted field goals, including both of his 3-point attempts and all four of his free throw attempts, to finish with 14 points. Simeon Dennis followed with 11 points and Tyler Chaisson with 10. Chaisson sank all six of his free throw attempts as well as both of his field goals.

West Alabama Men's Hoops will return to action on Jan. 31 in a New Years Eve tipoff against Auburn-Montgomery. The game is set for 2 p.m. at Pruitt Hall.