Memphis, Tenn. – Christian Brothers posted 12 three-point field goals, the most by any West Alabama opponent this season, to defeat the Tigers 68-49 on Saturday.

“In the first half, they played as good against us as any team we’ve faced in the past two years,” said UWA head coach Mike Newell.

“They shot the ball really well. I thought defensively we were mismatched, but in the end all the credit goes to Christian Brothers.”

The victory improves Christian Brothers to 10-5 overall and 5-2 in the Gulf South Conference. West Alabama now falls to 6-8 and 2-5.

The Buccaneers took advantage of six Tiger turnovers in the first half, including five steals, to command a 37-19 lead by halftime. The Tigers went on to end with 14 turnovers for the game.

Four Buccaneers totaled double-digit points to maintain the lead in the second half and finish with the 68-49 victory. Pat Graham led the Buccaneers with 17 points, shooting 50 percent from the field and three-point line.

Steven Samuels led West Alabama in scoring for the fourth consecutive game. He ended the game with 17 points and eight rebounds.

“I thought that Steven Samuels was really the only positive for us all day, but even he struggled in his shooting tonight,” Newell said.

“We’re still in the hunt to finish strong, but we have to keep our main focus on getting better. Now we just have to get back home, get back to work and keep our heads up.”

West Alabama will now return home to face Union on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.