LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Women's Basketball team defeated Mississippi College, 69-62, at Pruitt Hall, overcoming 34 turnovers while holding a 42-23 advantage on the boards.
UWA (10-10, 8-8 Gulf South) overcame 34 turnovers by shooting 57.1 percent from the field and outrebounding Mississippi College (8-12, 7-8 GSC), 42-23, to secure their 10th win of the year.
West Alabama started strong at home, opening with an early lead against Mississippi College.
Nailah Mayes contributed significantly with multiple layups, including a fast-break score at 6:01 to extend the lead.
Callie Cowan sank a jumper, and
Bellah Machen drained a three-pointer at the 3:30 mark, further pushing the Tigers' ahead. The Choctaws' Taleah Anderson responded with a layup at 1:57, but West Alabama closed the first quarter with a buzzer-beating layup by
Lyric Broussard, assisted by
Jernae Ringgold, ending the quarter with a 20-11 lead.
West Alabama maintained their lead in the second quarter, finishing with a 40-29 advantage over the Choctaws. Nia Coleman of Mississippi College narrowed the gap early with a three-pointer at 8:58, but Ringgold responded swiftly for UWA with a jumper, assisted by
Haley Nichols, to keep the momentum. Machen and
Chardai Watkins contributed with key baskets, extending the home team's lead. The Choctaws' Mariam Olawoyin converted on a three-point play at 5:22, bringing the visitors within reach. However, Mayes's consistent performance in the paint, including a layup at 51 seconds, ensured West Alabama closed the quarter ahead.
In the third quarter, the Tigers maintained their lead over the Choctaws, outscoring them 18-17. Cowan kicked off the scoring for UWA with a jumper at 9:10, assisted by Mayes. West Alabama capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 10 fast-break points, while the Choctaws struggled with turnovers despite forcing 10 from West Alabama. MC's Coleman managed to narrow the gap with a layup at 2:48, but UWA's consistent free-throw shooting, including two from Machen at 2:21, helped secure their advantage going into the final quarter.
Mississippi College opened the fourth quarter with a layup by Olawoyin at 9:21, sparking a comeback attempt. West Alabama maintained their lead with a jumper from Cowan at 7:24, extending the score to 60-52. Mayes contributed key free throws and a tip-in, increasing the home team's advantage to 65-58 with 2:55 remaining. Despite a late push from the Choctaws, highlighted by Karly Ivy's layup at 1:17, West Alabama secured a 69-62 victory.
Mayes led West Alabama with an impressive performance, scoring 27 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds. Cowan contributed significantly by adding 17 points and collecting seven rebounds. Machen showcased her defensive skills with four steals while scoring 11 points.
