LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama women's basketball team opens Gulf South Conference Tournament play Monday at 5:30 p.m. with a first-round matchup against No. 1 seed UAH inside SportsMED Arena at Spragins Hall in Huntsville.
West Alabama enters the tournament as the No. 8 seed at 13–12 overall and 11–11 in conference play, while UAH sits at 26–4 overall and 21–1 in GSC action.
The Tigers are coming off an 83–67 loss to the Chargers in Friday's regular season finale in Huntsville. UAH shot 57 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range in the victory. Lili Wilken once again led the Chargers offensively, while Millie Brown, Ivey Maddox, and Paris Opelt contributed to a balanced scoring attack that helped UAH build a 47–27 halftime advantage.
Despite the loss, West Alabama showed resilience in the second half, winning both the third and fourth quarters. The Tigers outscored UAH 21–20 in the third period behind strong play from Haley Nichols, Shay Hunter, and Callie Cowan. In the fourth quarter, Bellah Machen, Chardai Watkins, and Cowan combined to spark the offense as UWA closed the game on a competitive note.
Hunter led West Alabama in the finale with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting while adding five assists. Nichols also scored 12 points, knocking down two three-pointers, and Machen contributed 10 points, converting all six of her free-throw attempts. Watkins added seven points and four steals, providing defensive energy throughout the contest.
Offensively, the Tigers continue to be led by Machen, who averages 15.8 points per game, while Nichols contributes 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest. Nailah Mayes adds 10.4 points per game, giving UWA multiple scoring options entering tournament play.
UAH enters Monday's rematch on a Eight-game winning streak and remains unbeaten at home this season. Wilken leads the Chargers with 21.7 points per game, while Bella White directs the offense and contributes as both a scorer and facilitator. The Chargers average over 76 points per game and allow just 58.3 points per contest.
Monday's contest marks the third meeting between the teams this season and will determine which team advances in the GSC Tournament. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. in Huntsville as West Alabama looks to extend its season and pull off a postseason upset against the conference's top seed.
