LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The West Alabama Tigers (0-8, 0-4 GSC) will continue their search for their first win of the season with a pair of Gulf South Conference contests this week. First, the Tigers face Delta State (7-3, 3-1 GSC) on Thursday, December 19, at 5 p.m. back home in Pruitt Hall, before taking on Mississippi College (7-3, 3-1 GSC) on Saturday, December 21, at 2 p.m.
Despite their slow start, the Tigers have shown flashes of potential, with
Julia Rodriguez leading the charge. The guard averages 12.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 78.8% from the free-throw line. Guard
Kendall Lacoste adds 9.6 points per game and has been a threat from beyond the arc, hitting 14 three-pointers on the season.
West Alabama has struggled offensively, averaging 57.4 points per game while shooting 34.5% from the field. Rebounding remains an area for improvement, as the Tigers have been out rebounded by an average of 6.3 boards per game.
Delta State enters the contest boasting a strong defensive identity, holding opponents to 60.8 points per game while limiting them to 38.0% shooting. Grace Watson is the key for the Lady Statesmen, averaging a near double-double with 11.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Madi Kate Vuncannon complements Watson with her three-point shooting, connecting at a 42.6% clip.
West Alabama will need to contain Delta State's balanced scoring attack, which sees four players averaging at least eight points per game. Additionally, the Tigers must improve their rebounding and turnover margins against a team that has a +3.5 rebounding advantage.
Mississippi College brings one of the most efficient offenses in the GSC, averaging 70.4 points per game and shooting 43.5% from the field. Forward Tiara Abron leads the way with 13.3 points per game, while Amelia Bell anchors the post with 10.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest.
Mississippi College's size and physicality has translated into a dominant +9.4 rebounding margin. For West Alabama to be competitive, they'll need to keep the Lady Choctaws off the glass and take advantage of turnovers, as Mississippi College averages 22.3 giveaways per game.
The Tigers must limit the offensive efficiency of both Delta State and Mississippi College, who each rank in the top half of the GSC in scoring. Outmatched on the boards all season, West Alabama must find ways to close the rebounding gap, especially against Mississippi College's dominant frontcourt. With an average of 19.9 turnovers per game, West Alabama must take better care of the ball to compete against disciplined opponents.
With two tough matchups ahead, the Tigers aim to gain momentum and break into the win column before the holiday break.
