MONTGOMERY, Ala. — West Alabama (6-6, 4-5 GSC) outlasted Auburn University at Montgomery (1-13, 1-6 GSC), 99–95, in a tightly contested Gulf South Conference matchup, powered by a decisive 34-point fourth quarter.

The Tigers were led by a pair of career performances, as Nailah Mayes and Bellah Machen combined for 63 points. Mayes poured in a career-high 32 points in just 23 minutes to earn Player of the Game, while Machen added a career-best 31 points to propel West Alabama to the road victory. The Tigers also capitalized on 19 points off turnovers.

West Alabama opened strong, attacking the paint and controlling the glass early. Haley Nichols set the tone with scoring and rebounding, while Bellah Machen knocked down a three at the 5:45 mark to extend the lead. Strong defensive pressure helped the Tigers take a 25–11 advantage after the first quarter.

Momentum shifted in the second quarter as turnovers disrupted West Alabama's rhythm. Despite baskets from Chardai Watkins and Mayes, the Tigers committed 11 turnovers in the frame. AUM took advantage, using a late surge led by Tamora Brown to take a 37–31 lead into halftime.

The struggles continued in the third quarter, as West Alabama turned the ball over nine times. Machen provided a spark with a three and a late three-point play, but the Warhawks extended their lead to 67–53 heading into the final period.

The Tigers responded with a strong fourth-quarter push. Mayes tied the game with a three at 2:44, and Watkins followed with two free throws to give West Alabama the lead. After AUM briefly pulled even late, Machen sealed the win with a clutch defensive rebound, a go-ahead layup with 26 seconds remaining, and two free throws to close out the 99–95 victory.

West Alabama returns to action Saturday, January 10th, to face the Montevallo Falcons. Tip off is set for 2 p.m. at Central State Bank Arena (Montevallo, Ala.).