LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Women's Basketball team secured a decisive 71-49 victory over the Valdosta State Blazers on Saturday night at Pruitt Hall.

UWA (9-7, 7-6 GSC) dominated the paint with 42 points and outrebounded the VSU (9-10, 6-7 GSC) 45-29, contributing significantly to the win.

West Alabama opened the game with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Lyric Broussard's layup assisted by Haley Nichols at the 9:28 mark. The Blazers responded with a layup from Ka'Miah Pryor, leveling the score at 2-2. The Tigers then gained momentum, with Nichols hitting a three-pointer at the 7:36 mark. Moments later, Nichols knocked down a pair of free throws that put her over 1,000 career points. Nailah Mayes contributed significantly with a tip-in at the 0:46 mark, helping West Alabama extend their lead. The quarter concluded with Bellah Machen sinking two free throws with two seconds remaining, securing a 21-14 advantage for West Alabama at the end of the first quarter.

UWA extended their lead in the second quarter with a strong performance in the paint, scoring 20 points inside. Mayes contributed key plays, including a layup at the 6:52 mark and a tip-in at the buzzer, helping the home team outscore Valdosta State 22-17 in the quarter. Chardai Watkins added to the momentum with back-to-back layups, the second on a fast break at the 5:59 mark. The Blazers' Alina Martin and Chardae Rumph kept the Blazers competitive, each scoring crucial baskets, but the Tigers' defensive strength and offensive rebounds secured a 43-31 halftime lead.

The Tigers shot 57.7 percent from the floor in the first half, while holding the Blazers to 43.8 percent from the floor.

West Alabama extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Blazers 18-11. At 6:25, Callie Cowan converted a free throw, putting the Tigers up 44-33. Valdosta State's Ka'Miah Pryor managed a fastbreak layup at 5:30, assisted by Erin Whalen, trimming the deficit to 46-37. West Alabama responded with a scoring run, highlighted by Chardai Watkins' layup at 3:28 off a Shay Hunter assist, increasing their lead to 53-37. The quarter concluded with UWA maintaining control, capped by a Nichols' jumper with 32 seconds remaining, finalizing the score at 61-42.

The Tigers maintained control against the Blazers in the final quarter, securing a 71-49 victory. Machen opened the quarter with a layup assisted by Watkins, setting the tone early. Valdosta State's Rumph responded with a layup at 8:27, but West Alabama's Mayes and Hunter extended the lead with consecutive baskets, bringing the score to 67-44. Erin Whalen added a layup for Valdosta State at 4:27, but Nichols and Callie Cowan's contributions in the paint kept West Alabama as the Tigers cruised to a 22-point win. 

Mayes led the team with 18 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field, and added four rebounds. Machen contributed significantly with 13 points and gathered nine rebounds while making 7 of 9 free throws. Nichols posted 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Hunter facilitated the offense with seven assists and scored six points, adding two rebounds.

West Alabama will be back in action on Thursday when they travel to Trevecca Nazarene for a 5:30 p.m. contest.