MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of West Alabama Women's Basketball team defeated Christian Brothers 81-63, at Canale Arena, aided by a 22-assist performance.

Led by Haley Nichols 26-point, 12- rebound double-double, West Alabama's (11-12, 9-10 GSC) offense shot 53.4 percent from the floor, while holding Christian Brothers (3-21, 0-18 GSC) to 35.8 percent shooting in their 18-point win.

The game commenced with CBU taking an early lead as Mariah Curley scored a layup at 9:25. UWA responded swiftly, with Shay Hunter making a jumper at 8:04 to tie the score at 2-2. West Alabama then surged ahead, highlighted by a three-pointer from Bellah Machen at 6:54, assisted by Hunter, pushing the score to 7-2. CBU narrowed the gap to 11-8 following a pair of free throws by Emily Sawyer at 4:22. However, the Tigers maintained control, closing the quarter with a six-point advantage at 16-10.

Mariah Braga opened the second quarter with a layup, narrowing the score to 16-12. West Alabama responded with a series of baskets, including Hunter's jumper at 9:26 and Chardai Watkins' tip-in at 8:42, extending its lead. Nichols then contributed a three-point play, increasing the margin to 23-14. The Bucs fought back with a three-pointer from Braga at 6:07 to make it 25-21. Despite a late surge by Donee' Frazier, who scored six points in the final minutes, Nichols' jumper at 0:03 secured a 35-27 lead for UWA at the halftime buzzer.

During the third quarter, West Alabama widened its lead against CBU with a strong offensive performance. Callie Cowan started the scoring with a jumper at the 9:45 mark. Jayda Bernard and Hunter contributed to an early 5-0 run, pushing UWA's lead to 40-27 within the first minute of the quarter. The Bucs attempted to counter with Teuila Faalogo's layup at 8:33, but the Tigers maintained its momentum, with Bernard scoring a tip-in and a layup in quick succession. Despite a three-pointer by Taylor Farrar for CBU at 5:11, West Alabama continued its dominance, highlighted by a three-pointer from Nichols at 2:09, extending the lead to 58-43. The Bucs made a late push, but UWA ended the quarter with a 60-47 advantage.

The Tigers secured a decisive victory over CBU, outscoring the home team 21-16 in the final quarter. Nichols continued her strong performance, contributing a key three-pointer at the 6:00 mark and multiple jumpers during the quarter. The Bucs struggled to keep pace, despite Alice Conrad's efforts, including a layup and subsequent free throw early in the quarter. Summer Hicks closed out the scoring with a layup in the final seconds, sealing the win for West Alabama.

Haley Nichols scored 26 points and collected 12 rebounds, including three made 3-pointers. Shay Hunter added 12 points and posted eight assists, contributing significantly to the team's playmaking. Jayda Bernard finished with 11 points and made all five of her free throw attempts. Callie Cowan recorded two steals and grabbed five rebounds, showcasing her defensive capabilities.

West Alabama will now return to Pruitt Hall on Thursday for a 5:30 p.m. matchup against Montevallo.