LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama men's basketball team defeated the University of West Florida, 58-46, Thursday night inside Pruitt Hall.

The Tigers and Argos began the contest trading baskets, with West Florida having the early 6-4 lead inside the 16-minute mark of the first stanza. Maurice Dickson pulled the deficit into the Tigers' favor, 7-6, with a 3-pointer at the 15:34 mark.

Offense was a luxury in the first seven minutes of play, as UWA and UWF missed a combined twelve shots in the time frame.

A three from Tautvydas Kupstas gave West Florida a 14-11 advantage with 11:28 to go, only to be answered by a 7-0 run from West Alabama, capped off by a Thaddeus Williams layup inside nine minutes to go in the first stanza.

UWF's shooting struggles continued into the twilight of the first half as they made only one field goal in the final 6:39 of play. UWA took full advantage, going on a 9-2 scoring run to finish out the half.

To start the second half, the Tigers stretched their lead to 10 points with a pair of triples from CJ Melton and Jaylen Lemons to give them a 36-26 advantage with 16 minutes remaining.

The Argos did not get within six points of the Tigers again for the remainder of the contest, as West Alabama's exemplary charity stripe work and conference game-high 46 rebounds bolstered their efforts to keep the visitors from Pensacola at bay.

Despite the Argos connecting on more shots from the field than the Tigers, the home squad capitalized at the free throw line, making three times as many than the visitors. UWA saw 13 of its 29 points in the final stanza come from the line.

"Hard fought win tonight from our guys. Needed this one to get us back on track. Immensely proud of the defensive efforts of our guys," said head coach Nick Woodruff postgame.

For the second consecutive game, the Tigers mixed up the starting lineup, as forward Maurice Dickson earned his first start in a UWA uniform. The senior posted a season-high 12 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass. 

Senior Marvin Price received significant minutes in Thursday's contest as the first man off the bench for West Alabama. The forward played 17 minutes and scored six points.

CJ Melton led the charge for UWA with his second double-double of the season, scoring 13 points while adding 11 boards, two blocks and two steals. Jaylen Lemons also added 13 points.

Xavier Washington led the Argo scoring with 11 points, connecting on 5-of-10 from the field and added five rebounds. 

The Tigers move to 11-4 and 8-3 in conference play, while West Florida falls to 4-10 and 2-8.

West Alabama will stay at home to take on Valdosta State inside Pruitt Hall on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.