LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Men's Basketball team secured a 73-62 victory over the Union University Bulldogs on Sunday at Pruitt Hall, pushing their win streak to 11.
No. 18 UWA (13-1, 8-0 GSC) dominated the boards with 50 total rebounds, including 20 on the offensive glass, contributing significantly to their win over Union (7-6, 3-4 GSC).
"We've been talking about being able to win games on nights that we don't shoot the ball well, and man we didn't shoot the ball well tonight," said head coach Nick Woodruff. "This was a good win and I'm proud of the guys for holding on to pull this one out."
The Tigers and the Bulldogs opened the contest with Union's Will Lovings-Watts sinking a three-pointer 13 seconds into the game. Caleb Parr quickly responded for West Alabama with a layup and a jumper, contributing to a 6-5 lead. Elliot Tulip extended West Alabama's advantage with a three-pointer at 16:57, and Parr's fast-break layup pushed the score to 11-5. Throughout the half, UWA dominated the paint with 26 points, while Union struggled to keep pace despite Lovings-Watts' efforts. The half closed with the Tigers holding a 41-32 lead, bolstered by efficient scoring and dominant play in the painted area.
West Alabama thoroughly dominated the glass in the first half, outrebounding Union, 25-15, including nine offensive rebounds.
UWA shot 40.5 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes while UU shot 41.4 percent.
In the second half, the Bulldogs narrowed the gap with a series of key plays. Lovings-Watts contributed significantly for the Bulldogs, scoring a layup and a three in the first three and a half minutes, bringing the score to 45-42. Along with baskets from Lovings-Watts, Union started to make their presence known on the offensive glass which played a part in getting UWA's lead down to three. With momentum shifting a bit, the Tigers responded with Christian Thompson's offensive rebounds and layups, including a tip-in at 14:09 mark to maintain their lead. Late in the half, Rasean Frederick's fast-break layup at 2:13 helped extend West Alabama's advantage while BJ Brown Jr. sealed the game from the free-throw line for UWA.
Thompson posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, alongside one block and one steal while Frederick scored 14 points, collected nine rebounds, and swiped three steals. Brown Jr. added 13 points and contributed seven assists, complementing his performance with seven rebounds. Parr recorded 13 points and two steals.
West Alabama will now take their undefeated conference record and 11-game winning streak on the road for a matchup against AUM on Thursday in Montgomery.
