LIVINGSTON, Ala. — West Alabama (3-4, 1-2 Gulf South) earned its first conference win of the season on Thursday, defeating Lee University (5-2, 2-1 Gulf South) 62–56 behind a strong defensive effort that included 10 steals and 21 forced turnovers. Bellah Machen was named Player of the Game after leading the Tigers with a career-high scoring performance, delivering clutch fourth-quarter shots.

West Alabama opened with solid early play, highlighted by a fast start from Haley Nichols, who scored the Tigers' first five points and completed a three-point play to set the tone. A late first-quarter three from Machen kept UWA close, trailing 18–15 after the opening frame.

The Tigers took control in the second quarter, using defensive pressure and efficient scoring to outscore Lee 19–12. Machen sparked the run with a steal and jumper, while Nichols and Chardai Watkins added key buckets to send UWA into halftime with a 34–30 lead.

Machen opened the third quarter with a three, and the Tigers' defense continued to set the pace. Nichols delivered a block and several pivotal rebounds, while Callie Cowan added a fast-break layup and a corner three to stretch the advantage to 46–37 entering the fourth.

Lee made a late push, but Machen delivered again—knocking down a midrange jumper and a crucial three to maintain the cushion. UWA closed it out at the line and on the boards to secure the 62–56 victory and their first GSC win.

The Tigers return home on Saturday to host 5–2 Trevecca Nazarene at 2 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.