MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of West Alabama Men's Basketball team (22-3, 17-2 Gulf South) secured a decisive 72-55 victory over Christian Brothers (4-19, 3-15 Gulf South) on Saturday at Canale Arena.
No. 14 West Alabama (22-3, 17-2 GSC) dominated in the paint, outscoring CBU (4-19, 3-15 GSC) 50-24 in that area while also out-rebounding the Bucs, 37-27.
UWA opened the first half, emphasizing their advantages down low, scoring 26 points in the paint.
Christian Thompson got West Alabama on the board with a layup just 18 seconds into the game, assisted by
Rasean Frederick. The Tigers continued to get deep into the paint, with Thompson,
Jakobe Singleton, Brown Jr, and
Rasean Frederick all getting to the rim, converting on layups. On top of this, West Alabama's defense stifled Chirstian Brother's attack, holding CBU to 33 percent shooting in the half. At the break, the Tigers took a 35-23 lead into the locker room.
While holding the Bucs to 33 percent shooting, UWA shot 47 percent from the floor, leading them to their 12-point advantage.
West Alabama maintained its lead throughout the second half, securing a 37-32 advantage in the half.
Caleb Parr's early three-pointer, assisted by
BJ Brown Jr., pushed the Tigers' lead to 38-23. The Bucs responded with a quick layup from Nigel Quaynor at 19:22, followed by a three-pointer by Max Cain at the 18:26 mark to narrow the gap. However, UWA's steady scoring, including a fast-break layup by
Amillion Buggs at 12:58, kept them ahead. Christian Brothers struggled to close the deficit as West Alabama cruised to a 72-55 win.
Singleton scored 14 points, leading the team in field goals made by converting six of ten attempts. Frederick added 11 points and was efficient from the free-throw line, making seven of eight attempts. Brown Jr. contributed with four steals and seven assists, showcasing his playmaking and defensive capabilities. Thompson finished with 13 points and collected eight rebounds, providing a solid presence on the boards.
West Alabama will return home on Thursday for a big time matchup against Montevallo at 7:30 p.m.
