LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Johnny Stallworth led the field with his second-consecutive 19-point game as West Alabama snapped a four-game skid, defeating Union 67-61 in Gulf South Conference men's basketball action at Pruitt Hall on Saturday.
 
With the win, the Tigers improve to 9-8 overall, moving to 4-7 in the league. The Bulldogs fall to 9-9 on the year, dropping to 4-8 in the GSC.
 
"We had lost four-in-a-row coming into this game," UWA head coach Allen Sharpe said. "We've had some tough times behind closed doors between practices and film sessions, so I'm really proud of they way we fought back and grinded it out to get the win."
 
The Tigers took advantage early on in the contest, seizing a lead they would not surrender after a successful three-pointer from Jahmal Lane seven minutes into the first half.
 
With one minute before halftime, Jake Jobling converted the free throw for a four-point play after drawing the foul on a successful three-point attempt to put the Tigers ahead 34-21.
 
West Alabama's GSC-leading defense forced nine Union turnovers in the first 20 minutes, leading to 12 points in transition for the Tigers as they cruised to a 13-point, 37-24 lead at the intermission.
 
However, Union began to mount pressure on the West Alabama offense with a full-court press, culminating in 15, second-half turnovers and 23 points for the Bulldogs as they tied the game at 44-44 with 9:43 to play.
 
"Our first-half defense was really good, but they got it going in the second half behind Tray Boyd," Sharpe said. "We made enough plays and some big free throws down the stretch to keep them out of reach and come away with this one."
 
Stallworth connected from long range on the Tigers' next two possessions to put UWA back in front by six. West Alabama closed out the game by hitting 9-of-10 free throws in the final 90 seconds to secure the 67-61 victory.
 
UWA lead for 34-and-half minutes, converting on 48 percent of shots form the floor and 40 percent from beyond the arc. The Tigers also hit 16-of-23 free throws on the night.
 
Stallworth's 19 points came on five field goals, three of which were good for three points. He also hit 6-of-8 free throws. Lane finished with 16 points, connecting on 6-of-8 from the field and 2-of-2 from the line. Gavin Robinson rounded out the Tigers' double-digit scorers with 10 points on three field goals and four free throws. Domonique Alexander collected nine boards and three blocks, while Lane and Robinson each recorded five rebounds.
 
Boyd led the Bulldogs with 18 points hitting 50 percent from the floor and 100 percent from the line. Charlie Wilson followed with 17 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field ad 5-of-7 from the line.
 
The Tigers will now head to Pensacola, facing off against West Florida in a GSC road test on Thursday. Tip off at the UWF Field House is slated for 7:30 p.m.