LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama women's basketball team closes the regular season Friday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. with a Gulf South Conference road matchup at UAH inside Spragins Hall in Huntsville.
West Alabama enters the finale at 13–11 overall and 11–10 in conference play, while UAH sits atop the GSC standings at 25–4 overall and 20–1 in league action, including a perfect 14–0 record at home.
The Chargers claimed the first meeting this season, defeating West Alabama 71–62 on Jan. 17 at Pruitt Hall. UAH shot 49.1 percent from the field and scored 44 points in the paint in the win, led by Lili Wilken's 29-point performance. West Alabama was paced by
Shay Hunter's 14 points, while
Haley Nichols added 11. The Tigers outrebounded UAH 36–27 but were limited to 25 percent shooting from three-point range in the loss.
Offensively, West Alabama is led by
Bellah Machen, who averages 15.8 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line.
Haley Nichols adds 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, anchoring the interior, while
Nailah Mayes contributes 10.4 points per contest and provides efficient scoring around the basket. The Tigers average just over 70 points per game and continue to rely on balanced scoring and rebounding entering postseason play.
UWA enters Friday's matchup having gone 3–2 over its last five games and winning three of its last four contests. The Tigers recently earned victories over Christian Brothers, Montevallo, and Auburn Montgomery before closing the home schedule, showing improved offensive balance and defensive execution down the stretch.
UAH enters the contest on a five-game winning streak and is 5–0, defeating Mississippi College, Christian Brothers, Union, Auburn Montgomery, and Montevallo during that stretch. Wilken leads the Chargers with 21.7 points per game and remains one of the conference's most dynamic scorers. Bella White plays a pivotal role in directing the offense, averaging 8.7 points per game while leading the team with 116 assists and adding 5.6 rebounds per contest. Ivy Maddox (9.1 ppg) and Paris Opelt (8.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg) provide additional scoring and interior presence as UAH shoots 45.7 percent from the field as a team while allowing just 58.3 points per game.
West Alabama is locked into the eight-seed for the GSC Tournament and will play No. 1 seed UAH again in the GSC Quarterfinals on Monday. Friday's game will be a litmus test for UWA to see where they stack up against UAH before their GSC Tournament battle. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at Spragins Hall as the Tigers look to finish the regular season strong against the conference's top team.
