LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Men's Basketball team secured a decisive 73-53 victory over Mississippi College on Thursday night at Pruitt Hall. 

No. 18 UWA (19-3, 14-2 Gulf South) capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off Mississippi College's (9-12, 6-9 Gulf South) 12 turnovers, while also dominating inside with 26 points in the paint.

"We came into practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with the right kind of mindset," said Head Coach Nick Woodruff. "I feel as though we got back to our defensive mindset tonight. I'm really proud of our bounce back."

The Tigers opened the first half with a strong performance, quickly establishing a 12-0 lead thanks to a series of successful plays from BJ Brown Jr., including a jumper and a three-pointer. The Choctaws struggled to keep pace, calling an early timeout at 18:29. Despite efforts from Avaughn Johnson and Phil Nelson, who combined for several key baskets, the Choctaws could not close the gap. UWA continued to maintain control, highlighted by Elliot Tulip's three-pointer at 1:54 and Brown's jumper with 29 seconds left, securing a 42-27 lead at the end of the first half.

The Tigers shot 48.4 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from three in the first half while holding the Choctaws to 42.3 percent and 22.2 percent from three.

West Alabama maintained control in the second half, securing a 31-26 scoring advantage over the Choctaws. Rasean Frederick contributed significantly with a key three-pointer at the 16:43 mark, helping to extend the Tigers' lead. Christian Thompson and Brown Jr. added to the effort with multiple layups, while Caleb Parr hit a 3-pointer at the 8:27 mark to widen the margin. Despite Nelson's efforts for the Choctaws, West Alabama held their ground, finishing with a solid defensive stand and maintaining a comfortable lead to close the game.

Brown Jr. led the scoring with 28 points, on his 21st birthday, converting 10 of 13 field goals and adding six free throws. He also contributed defensively with three steals and one block. Frederick added 10 points and dished out four assists while securing three rebounds. Thompson contributed nine points and collected a team-high seven rebounds, alongside two steals and one block. Albright Obode provided defensive support with two blocks, while also contributing five points and grabbing six rebounds.

West Alabama will conclude the weekend with a 4:00 p.m. matchup against Delta State.