VALDOSTA, Ga. – University of West Alabama seniors Justin Wright, Kenric McCants and junior Charles Eaton each post double-digit scoring marks in the second half to lead the Tigers to 72-54 victory over Valdosta State in Gulf South Conference men's basketball action at The Complex on Thursday. UWA improves to 19-9 overall, securing its most regular season wins since the 1993-94 season.

The Tigers, now on their third five-game win streak this season, remain tied with Alabama Huntsville for the top spot with a 14-6 GSC record. Valdosta State drops to 9-17 overall and 4-16 in the league.

The Blazers led from the field in the first half hitting 11-of-36, while the Tigers led in 3-point field goals 4-of-5 to cling to a 27-26 lead at half time, following a last second 3-pointer by VSU's Jeremiah Hill going into the break.

After trailing in points in the paint and rebounds in the first half, West Alabama dominated the second half while continuing its lead from behind the 3-point arc. The Tigers led in rebounds 46-39, paint points 32-20 and finishing 6-of-10 in 3-point field goals.

"Our offensive game in the first half was really bad, but we just picked the pace up and were more aggressive in the second half," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe, who improves his career coaching wins to 295. "We have enough guys who have enough fight about them and know what is on the line. I don't think any of them wanted to let it end here tonight."

Wright recorded 13 points in the second half to finish with 21, while Eaton added 12 to finish with 17 total. Kenric McCants finished with 11 points, all in the second half. Wright added 11 rebounds to tally his fourth double-double of the season.     

Dakari Mayo blocked four VSU shots as he added to his 63 blocks on the season. Jeff Nibo was the only Blazers to hit double-digit points, finishing with 14.

With two games remaining in the regular season, West Alabama will return to action Saturday as it travels to Pensacola, Fla. to take on West Florida. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.  

"If we would have left here at the half, we wouldn't have felt good about it even though we were winning," Sharpe said. "After that second half, we feel like we can go into Saturday with enough momentum."