ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Eckerd College took advantage of a slow start from West Alabama men's basketball, building a 34-18 lead at the half en route to a 70-54 victory over the Tigers in the first day of the Gulf South Conference-Sunshine State Conference Challenge at the McArthur Center on Friday.

The Tritons open the season with a 1-0 record, while the Tigers fall to 0-1 on the year.

"We looked shell-shocked from the start," UWA head coach Allen Sharpe said. "We lost that game in the first 10 minutes by digging too deep of a hole." 

"We did better in the second half and played them well, we just need to have a better start. We can't accept a performance like this one, and it doesn't get any easier tomorrow." 
 
The Tritons went 3-of-10 from beyond the arc and 9-of-12 from the line while holding the Tigers scoreless in both categories in the first 20 minutes, building a 20-4 lead by the 8:56 mark.

West Alabama opened the second half with a 7-0 run, cutting Eckerd's lead to 34-25 before the Tritons responded with a run of their own. EC outscored UWA 13-3 midway through the second half, building a 20-point lead before the Tigers could find a rhythm.

Although the Tritons largest lead of 30 came in the second half, the Tigers adjusted to tie EC in second-half points, 36-36.

Eckerd capitalized on turnovers, second-chance points and bench play, dominating UWA in all three categories. The Tritons put up 19 points off of Tiger turnovers, 14 points from offensive rebounds and 34 points from the bench.

"We need to find a way to manufacture some more points, and if we can't do that, then we need to find a way to hold opponents more effectively," Sharpe said.  

Jahmal Lane led UWA offensively with 16 points, going 6-of-7 from the field and 4-of-5 on three-point field goals. Gavin Robinson tallied 14 points for the Tigers, hitting 60 percent of shots from the field and 100 percent of his free throw attempts. Jake Jobling followed with 11 points with 3-of-4 field goals good for three points.

Domonique Alexander picked up five blocks while collecting five rebounds for the Tigers. Sean Cranney and Robinson each totaled six rebounds on the day.

Paulius Zabilevicius and Drushaun McLaurn each finished with 10 points to lead Eckerd's offense. Obi Kvei led the Tritons in rebounds with seven, followed by Trevon Young and McLaurn, each with five.

The Tigers will continue in the tournament, facing off against SSC-opponent Florida Southern in a rematch of last year's season opener on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. CDT at the McArthur Center.