BIRMINGAHAM, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's basketball team defeated the University of West Georgia 91-85 in the Semifinal round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament at the Pete Hana Center on Friday. The win will send the Tigers to their first Gulf South Conference Tournament Championship game since 1994.

West Alabama improves to 22-10 marking the most single season wins ever in program history. West Georgia drops out of the tournament with a 21-8 record.

After a fast 9-0 start by the Wolves to open the game, the Tigers fought back through 10 lead changes in the first half to take a 44-42 lead at the break on a last second jumper by Deontaye Ewing. UWA opened the second half by extending their lead to eight points by not allowing a single point to UWG through the first four and half minutes of the second half. West Alabama only gave up the lead once in the second half. 

"I am really proud of the way our guys stuck together and finished tonight," said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe. "We knew the difference was going to be whether or not we could hold them in the second half and limit Deonta Stocks. We were able to do that, especially in the second half, and I am really proud of how these guys came through until the end."  

The Tigers finished 31-of-37 at the free throw line, while West Georgia led in the field. The Wolves shot 32-of-66 and the Tigers combined for 27-of-50.

Charles Eaton led at the free throw line, hitting 10-of-14 to lead with 21 points. Kenric McCants finished with 18; 13 in the first half.

All-GSC honoree Justin Wright posted his sixth double-double of the year with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Deontay Ewing finished with 14.

GSC Player of the Year, Deonta Stocks was 6-of-15 from the field with 19 points. Alex Abreu led the Wolves with 26 points, hitting 9-of-16.

West Alabama will face Alabama Huntsville for a shot at its first GSC Tournament Title since 1982 on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Pete Hana Canter on the campus of Samford University. The Chargers edged out Union 77-75 in overtime to advance.

"We really wouldn't want it any other way," said Sharpe. "Tonight we had the chance to get revenge on West Georgia, who beat us just a few nights ago, and now we have a chance to face UAH; the only team to sweep us this season."

The championship game can be seen on ESPN 3, as well as heard on ESPN 104.9 WSLY. Live stats will also be available.

For more information for the 2015 GSC Tournament, including ticket information, visit: http://www.gulfsouthconference.org/sports/2014/12/10/MBB_1210143050.aspx?path=mbball