LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University West Alabama Men's Basketball team punched their ticket to the GSC Championship on Thursday with an 80-72 win over No. 4 UAH at Pruitt Hall. 

Led by BJ Brown Jr. who poured in a game-high 26 points and seven assists, West Alabama (26-4, 19-3 GSC) turned in a productive night on the offensive end, shooting 48.3 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from three in route to their eight-point win over UAH (21-9, 15-7 GSC) 

"Winning is fun and it takes a lot," said head coach Nick Woodruff. "It takes a lot of mental strength to win big time games like this and we displayed that today."

The Tigers opened the first half with a strong start, scoring the first six points, including a layup by Caleb Parr at the 19:37 mark. The Chargers struggled with turnovers early, allowing West Alabama to capitalize and extend its lead. Brown Jr. was effective in the paint, contributing multiple layups, including a fast-break conversion with just under a minute remaining. Despite a late push from the Chargers, highlighted by Preston Parker's three-pointer at 1:51, West Alabama maintained control, closing the half with a 40-33 advantage after Jakobe Singleton's jumper in the final seconds.

UWA shot 45.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three in the first half while holding UAH to 38.5 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three.

In the second half, West Alabama maintained a narrow lead over the Chargers, finishing with a 40-39 advantage in the half. Parr and Brown Jr. each contributed key three-pointers early, allowing the Tigers to extend its lead. Rasean Frederick was instrumental, converting on a clutch three-point play with 1:57 remaining to push the score to 71-64. Brown Jr. followed that with a massive three with 58 seconds left, making it a 74-66 game and virtually putting the game out of reach. Despite a late surge from Knute Wood of the Chargers, who hit two three-pointers in the final minute, West Alabama closed out the game with Brown Jr. sinking crucial free throws to secure an 80-72 win.

Along with Brown Jr.'s 26-point, seven-assist performance, Frederick contributed 16 points and recorded two steals while collecting six rebounds. Elliot Tulip scored 14 points, including three three-pointers, on 4-of-5 shooting. Christian Thompson provided a defensive presence with three blocks and eight rebounds.

"This is the first time that the GSC Semifinals and Championship is hosted at a campus site, and we are the ones that get to do it," coach Woodruff continued. "We have a cool opportunity to do something special on Sunday, but it's going to take a lot of mental fortitude to get it done."

West Alabama will host No. 3 West Florida on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Pruitt Hall with the GSC Tournament Championship on the line.