LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season in dominant fashion on Friday night, defeating Lane College 86-49 inside Pruitt Hall.
West Alabama (1-0) controlled the game on both ends of the floor, using its defensive pressure and advantage inside to pull away from Lane (0-1). The Tigers scored 48 points in the paint, forced 16 turnovers, and received 41 points from their bench. UWA also held Lane to just 49 points for the contest.
The Tigers finished the night shooting 50.9 percent from the field and converted 23-of-35 attempts at the free-throw line. West Alabama held a 42-24 advantage in rebounds and recorded 12 steals while forcing 16 turnovers. UWA's 48 points in the paint and 41 bench points helped fuel the 37-point victory.
"We had guys flying around tonight," said head coach Nick Woodruff. "This is who we would like to be on a consistent basis. The last two days of practice were really good and it carried over."
West Alabama wasted little time establishing control, opening the contest with a 10-0 run. Tyler Byrd scored the first seven points for the Tigers, including a three-pointer, before Michael Cooper connected from beyond the arc to cap the early scoring surge. Lane did not get on the scoreboard until the 15:04 mark.
The Tigers continued to control the pace throughout the opening half, taking a 34-22 advantage into the break.
West Alabama came out of halftime with its biggest stretch of the night, scoring 17 unanswered points to extend its lead to 51-22. Cooper helped fuel the run with a basket and free throws, while Byrd added a tip-in and a dunk. BJ Brown Jr. also contributed during the stretch as the Tigers took complete control of the contest.
West Alabama continued to build its advantage throughout the second half. Michael Nwoye added three baskets, including two dunks, while Tristan Watson connected on a pair of three-pointers. Adrian Cruz also knocked down a three, and Amillion Buggs added a dunk late in the contest. David Oriaku capped the scoring for the Tigers with a dunk in the final minute as West Alabama secured the 86-49 victory.
Michael Cooper led the Tigers with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Byrd added 14 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Cruz finished with 10 points and five rebounds.
BJ Brown Jr. contributed eight points, three rebounds, and three assists. Buggs added seven points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Jonathan Goldson finished with five points, four assists, and three steals.
"We have some older guys and players who really care, and then we have some young guys who haven't played a ton of ball," Woodruff continued. "We're just scratching the surface of what we can be."
West Alabama will conclude the GSC-SIAC Crossover on Saturday with a 4:30 p.m. matchup against Central State.
