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Robert Davis
JT Webb | CBU Athletics
65
Winner West Ala. WA 6-5,5-5 Gulf South
59
Christian Brothers CB 2-10,2-10 Gulf South
Winner
West Ala. WA
6-5,5-5 Gulf South
65
Final
59
Christian Brothers CB
2-10,2-10 Gulf South
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
West Ala. WA 31 34 65
Christian Brothers CB 31 28 59

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Tigers Clinch Tournament Berth with Win over CBU

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – It is now safe to add another date to the schedule as the University of West Alabama Men's basketball team has clinched a spot in the Gulf South Conference Men's Basketball Championship Tournament with a 65-59 win over Christian Brothers Monday evening in Canale Arena. 
 
The Tigers improved to 6-5 on the season and 5-5 in GSC competition while CBU fell to 2-10 overall and in league play.
 
"In a shortened season with so many new faces we are learning to play with each other, and our team continues to get better with each game," said Head coach Nick Woodruff. "I am extremely proud of this group. Going on the road and winning two in a back-to-back is hard to do. CBU has a tough team with a lot of fight."
 
Tied 31-31 at the half, the Bucs built as much as a five-point lead following a pair of free throws from Nick Deifel to put Christian Brothers up 41-36 at the 14:51 mark in the second half. 
 
From that point, it was all UWA as the Tigers used an 18-5 run to go up 59-46 at the 6:20 mark capped by a three-pointer from Chase Sanders to give UWA a three-point lead. The Bucs were able to get the lead down to five points at the 1:02 mark off a shot from Aiden Ruthsatz, but the Tigers held on for the 65-59 win. 
 
Kortrijk Miles finished as the scoring leader for UWA with 25 points along with three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Shardarrion Allen posted a second consecutive double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds along with a steal, assist and a block. 
 
West Alabama played from behind for the most part early and did not gain a lead at all until with 3:50 in the first half where Kortrijk Miles converted on a layup to put UWA up 27-26. However, the squads battled to a 31-31 tie at the half.
 
"I told the team in the locker room, "We are starting to have a "Team." "Guys are pulling for each other and not only thinking about themselves," said Woodruff.  "There is nothing they will ever experience in their lives like being on a team that is all in for the program and will get so much more out of their experience if they serve others."
 
The Tigers show 47.8 percent (22-of-46) from the floor, 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from three and 84.2 percent (16-of-19) from the free throw line. 
 
Meanwhile, CBU shot 44.2 percent (19-of-43) from the field, 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from beyond the arc and 84.2 percent (16-of-19) in free throws.
 
Four Bucs reached double figures led by 14 points from Ruthsatz. Daniel Loos scored 13 points while Daryl Lewis and Deifel both scored 11 points each. 
Both teams committed 18 turnovers, but the Tigers outscored CBU 26-22 in the paint, 12-4 on second chance points and 10-9 in the fast break. West Alabama also outrebounded Christian Brothers 26-23. 
 
The time and location of the GSC Championship Tournament game is not known as of today, but the game will take place on the road on March 2. 
 
Woodruff said, "We are far from reaching the potential for this team and have to continue to improve in all areas."
 
However, before that the Tigers will host Delta State on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27 in Pruitt Hall Gymnasium. The Feb. 26 contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the Saturday game set for a 2 p.m. tip off. Links to lives tats and live video will be available on uwaathletics.com. 
 
To stay connected with the UWA Men's basketball team, follow @UWA_basketball on Twitter. General athletic news, along with game recaps and box scores, can be found at uwaathletics.com. Additional updates and information are available @UWAAthletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
 
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