FLORENCE, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men’s basketball team ran into a hot-shooting University of North Alabama squad on Monday night at Flowers Hall, falling 87-66 in the Tigers first road GSC contest.

The Lions (15-6, 3-1 GSC) who came into the ballgame as the GSC’s second-best three-point shooting team, lived up to their billing in the opening 20 minutes, knocking down eight treys in the first period to aid in UNA’s 16-point halftime lead at 45-29.  The Purple and Gold’s Quinn Beckwith scorched the nets, connecting on 5-of-6 from behind the arc for 17 points in the opening frame.  UNA’s Thomas Fraise drained three the top of the arc for nine points in the half.  The Tigers, trimmed the Lions lead down to just three at the 8:30 mark of the first half before UNA pushed it out to double digits with just over five minutes left before the halftime intermission.

UNA finished the game shooting 47 percent from the field, including 16-of-35 from three point range.  UWA turned in a 36 percent shooting night and turned the ball over 20 times in the affair.

The Tigers (5-11, 0-3 GSC) were led in the scoring by junior Cavin Payton, who registered a season-high in points with 16.  The Moss Point, Miss. product finished 4-of-7 from three-point range.  Payton also pulled down seven rebounds in the setback.  Junior Kevin Johnson turned in nine second half points to tally 11 points.  Taige Adderley posted a team-best nine rebounds and added eight points.

UNA’s Beckwith claimed game-high honors with 22 points.  Fraise was credited with 18 while the Lions leading scorer, Casey Holt added 10 points.

The Tigers continue GSC road action on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Valdosta State.  Tip off is set for 7 p.m. CST.  The match up will be carried by Y104.9 FM.