LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Chloe Culpepper had a double-double and four Tigers scored in double figures as West Alabama defeated Mississippi College, 72-58, in Gulf South Conference women's college basketball Saturday at Pruitt Hall Gym.
 
West Alabama (13-11, 10-7) has won six of its last seven and seven of its last nine games. Mississippi College (8-15, 4-13) has lost five of its last seven.
 
"This was a big win for us as far as the league standings go," UWA head coach Rusty Cram said, "but after the way we came back in such exciting fashion Thursday against Delta State, it almost seemed like an afterthought.
 
"We get a 14-point win and it seemed like everybody in the gym was just ho-hum," Cram said. "Every single win in this conference is big. Every win is important, whether you come from way behind or lead all the way."
 
West Alabama led from tap to buzzer, stretching the advantage to as many as 23 points with 8:41 left in the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to controlling the inside. The Tigers outrebounded MC, 54-33, and collected 18 offensive boards for 14 second chance points.
 
Culpepper scored 16 points and had 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the year, but GSC freshman of the year candidate Tazsa Garrett-Hammett led UWA scorers with 17, making 6-of-10 from the floor while collecting eight rebounds.
 
Elaine Field and Peyton Parker chipped in 14 points each for West Alabama, who shot 39 percent (25-for-62) from the field. Parker was 4-of-8 from behind the three-point arc. Field scored nine of her 14 in the first quarter.
 
"Eli (Field) set the tone early by getting us to run, then Peyton (Parker) knocked down some threes, so they have to guard her and leave somebody else with chances to score," Cram said. "What can you say about Tazsa (Garrett-Hammett). She is a special player who continues to grow up despite what folks throw at her."
 
Zariah Matthews scored 18 points to lead the Lady Choctaws, who converted 32 percent (19-of-58) from the floor. Lauran Sheriff chipped in 12. Kelly Allen had seven rebounds to lead MC.
 
West Alabama hits the road for a game at league-leading Union (23-2, 16-1) Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. Mississippi College is host to West Florida (15-9, 10-7) Wednesday.