LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Men's Basketball team fell in the GSC Championship to the West Florida Argonauts, 76-69, at Pruitt Hall on Sunday.
UWA (26-5, 19-3 GSC) struggled from the floor, shooting 37.5 percent and 15.8 percent from three in their seven-point loss to UWF (25-8, 15-7 GSC).
West Alabama started the game strong, jumping out to an early 6-0 lead with layups from
BJ Brown Jr. and
Rasean Frederick. West Florida responded and got their offense going as Anthony Igiede buried a three-pointer at the 17:33 mark. Aric Demings was pivotal for the Argonauts, scoring consistently throughout the half, including a jumper at the 0:41 mark to extend their lead. Despite UWA's efforts, highlighted by a layup from Frederick at 1:06, West Florida closed the half ahead, 47-40.
In the first half, the Tigers shot 44.4 percent and 20 percent from three while the Argonauts shot 48.5 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three.
West Florida maintained their lead in the second half with key contributions from Igiede, who opened the half with a layup at the 19:23 mark and later drained a three-pointer at 18:00, assisted by Elijah Wyche, extending their advantage. West Alabama's Brown Jr. kept the Tigers competitive, recording multiple assists and scoring a layup at 10:31. Despite the Argonauts' consistent scoring, West Alabama narrowed the margin to three a handful of times. A dunk from
Christian Thompson and a three from
Elliot Tulip cut West Alabama's deficit to three late in the second half. Despite a late comeback effort from UWA, UWF was able to hold on to win the GSC Championship.
Frederick led the Tigers with 17 points, converting 11 of 14 free throws. Brown Jr. contributed with 13 points, six steals, and five assists.
Caleb Parr recorded 10 points and eight rebounds. Tulip added 12 points, including two 3-pointers.
The Tigers'
BJ Brown Jr. and
Rasean Frederick were named to the All-Tournament team while the Argos' Aric Demings was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
West Alabama now awaits the NCAA Selection Show to see what seed they will be in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers will hold a watch party in Pruitt 25 on Sunday night at 9:45 p.m. CST.
