LIVINGSTON, Ala. - West Alabama Women's Basketball returns to Pruitt Hall for two pivotal Gulf South Conference matchups. First, the Tigers take on Auburn-Montgomery (AUM) on Thursday, January 9th, at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday showdown against Montevallo on January 11th at 2 p.m.  

The Tigers (1-11, 1-7 GSC) are eager to turn their season around at home. Despite struggles in the win column, UWA's defense has limited opponents to 27.0% from beyond the arc, outperforming their own 29.1% shooting from deep. Leading the charge is Julia Rodriguez, who averages 12.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 78.8% from the free-throw line. Guard Kendall Lacoste provides a steady presence with 11.8 points per game, while Shayla Golden contributes 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds off the bench.  

However, turnovers have been a challenge for UWA, averaging 21.1 per game and allowing 22.3 points off those turnovers. To secure victories, the Tigers will need to improve ball control and match their opponents on the boards.  

Auburn-Montgomery (5-7, 3-4 GSC) enters the matchup with one of the GSC's top scorers, Allasha Dudley, who averages 19.2 points per game and shoots 82.0% from the line. The Warhawks are also efficient inside, shooting 44.7% as a team. Forward Samya Brooks adds 12.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, while Danielle Luckey dominates the boards with a team-high 9.6 rebounds per game.  

Despite their strengths, turnovers have been an issue for the Warhawks, averaging 18.8 per game. AUM will look to capitalize on their offensive efficiency to overcome their turnover woes.  

Montevallo (5-7, 3-4 GSC) features a balanced offensive attack, led by Aubrey Sorrells, who averages 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Jordan Gillies contributes 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, while Lia Edwards adds 10.6 points and a team-best 78.9% free-throw shooting.  

The Falcons are a threat from three-point range, making 5.4 triples per game. They will test the Tigers' perimeter defense, which has been one of UWA's bright spots. Montevallo's rebounding margin (-0.5) is similar to UWA's (-3.4), setting the stage for an evenly contested battle on the boards.  

UWA needs to reduce turnovers, contain Dudley's scoring for AUM, and challenge Montevallo's three-point shooters. Both games will provide exciting opportunities for the Tigers to secure momentum in conference play. Let's help with that momentum and fill up Pruitt Hall for our Basketball squads!