LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama women's basketball team put up a strong fight but was unable to hold off Lee University, falling 65-56 in a hard-fought matchup at Pruitt Hall on Saturday afternoon.  

The Tigers (3-16, 3-12 GSC) kept pace with the Flames (17-4, 11-4 GSC) through three quarters, but a late surge by Lee in the fourth quarter sealed the outcome. Despite the loss, Kaedre Denson led the charge for UWA with a dominant performance in the paint, scoring a game-high 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting.  

Both teams started slow offensively, with Lee holding a narrow 13-10 lead after the opening quarter. UWA's Shayla Golden helped keep the Tigers within striking distance, scoring seven of her 14 points in the first half. The Tigers and Flames traded baskets in the second quarter, heading into halftime tied at 21-21.  

The game remained competitive into the third quarter, where the Tigers outscored Lee 18-16 to take a slim 39-37 lead. Kendall Lacoste and Callie Cowan combined for 10 points in the period, giving UWA a slight edge heading into the final frame.  

However, the Flames caught fire in the fourth, outscoring the Tigers 25-17 behind a flurry of three-pointers and efficient free-throw shooting. Lee shot 58.3% from the field in the quarter and hit four of their seven three-pointers to pull away.  

Golden recorded another double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Lacoste added 12 points, including two three-pointers. Cowan also reached double figures with 10 points and six rebounds. The Tigers won the battle in the paint, scoring 34 points down low, but struggled with turnovers, committing 16 that led to 32 points for Lee.  
  
West Alabama will look to bounce back when they travel to Clinton, Miss., to take on Mississippi College on Thursday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m.