NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The University of West Alabama Women's Basketball team fell to the Trevecca Nazarene Trojans in a tightly contested game, 78-75, at the Trojan Fieldhouse on Thursday. 

The game featured seven ties and five lead changes, highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup. The team stats were fairly even across the board except for the three-point disparity as West Alabama (9-8, 7-7 GSC) shot 9.1 percent from beyond the arc while Trevecca Nazarene (13-6, 10-4 GSC) shot 41.7 percent from three.

UWA and TNU exchanged leads throughout the first quarter. The Tigers capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, scoring 18 points inside, fueled by Haley Nichols' crucial offensive rebounds and contributions. Despite these efforts, the Trojans edged ahead with efficient shooting, converting 69% from the field, backed by strong bench scoring. At the end of the quarter, Trevecca led 25-23.

West Alabama and the Trevecca Nazarene ended the second quarter deadlocked, each scoring 17 points. UWA capitalized on fast breaks with four points and matched the Trojans' ten points in the paint. Despite committing five turnovers, West Alabama's seven defensive rebounds helped limit Trevecca's second-chance opportunities. At the end of the half, the score stood at 42-40 in favor of the Trojans.

TNU pulled ahead in the third quarter by converting 57% of their field goals, including two 3-pointers, while capitalizing on West Alabama's four turnovers. Despite UWA's efforts in the paint with six points and two blocks, the Trojans' dominance in inside scoring, evident from 12 points in the paint, allowed them to outscore West Alabama 20-13 in the quarter. At the end of the third quarter, the Trojans led 62-53.

The Tigers closed the fourth quarter strong, outscoring the Trojans 22-16 by capitalizing on turnovers and fast breaks. West Alabama forced four turnovers and converted those into six points, while adding four points on fast breaks. Despite committing eight personal fouls, West Alabama maintained their edge by securing seven defensive rebounds and limiting the Trojans to zero three-point field goals in the quarter. With 11 seconds left, West Alabama had the ball, down three. Head Coach Tiffany Morton drew up a beautiful play that freed up Bellah Machen for three, but the Tigers' leading scoring missed the game-tying three as West Alabama fell, 78-75.

Machen led the team with 20 points, converting 9 of 15 field goal attempts and collecting six rebounds. Nichols contributed significantly with 17 points and an impressive 16 rebounds. Shay Hunter added 14 points, made five of six free throws, and recorded two blocks. Nailah Mayes made an impact on defense with two steals and added four points.

West Alabama will end their week on Saturday with a 1:00 p.m. CST matchup against Lee.