MONTEVALLO, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Men's Basketball team handled their business on the road, defeating the Montevallo Falcons, 71-61, in a highly anticipated GSC matchup. 

The play of BJ Brown Jr. and Elliot Tulip, who combined for 41 points, led No. 14 UWA (15-1, 10-0 GSC) to their 10-point win over Montevallo (10-5, 6-3 GSC), extending their win streak to 13.

"That's a big win," said head coach Nick Woodruff. "Montevallo is an NCAA Tournament team and a group of really good players that are coached extremely well. I'm so thrilled with the effort and the way we were able to defend because Montevallo is a hard team to defend."

The game opened with West Alabama's Tulip scoring 11 of the Tigers' first 14 points which included three three-pointers, giving UWA an early lead. The Falcons countered with a layup from Derek Moore but struggled to keep pace as West Alabama extended their advantage to 20-10, highlighted by a three from Brown Jr. After a run from the Tigers, Montevallo's Jaylen Curry and Brandon Fussell sparked a 10-0 Montevallo run to take their first lead since the 18:24 mark with 7:04 left in the half. The two teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half with the Tigers' taking a 32-30 lead into the break.  

UWA shot 48 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three in the first half while Montevallo shot 52.2 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from three.

West Alabama extended their lead in the second half, highlighted by strong offensive performances from Brown Jr. and Tulip. Early in the half, Rasean Frederick scored a layup, assisted by Brown Jr., to push the Tigers ahead. Brown Jr. later sank a three-pointer at 13:15, maintaining West Alabama's momentum. Tulip's 3-pointer at 5:31 widened the gap further before Travion McCray's three with 2:33 left put UWA up by nine, virtually putting the game away.

"This felt like a big time NCAA Basketball game," coach Woodruff continued. "We made a few more plays than them tonight and that was the difference."

Tulip led all scorers with 23 points on 70 percent shooting and 711.4 percent from three. Brown Jr. contributed 18 points and dished out six assists on three made three-pointers. Albright Obode was a defensive presence, recording three blocks and collecting five rebounds. Christian Thompson added defensive pressure with two blocks and two steals, while also securing six rebounds.

No.14 West Alabama will now get a week off before returning home for another big-time matchup, this time against the UAH Chargers on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.