Contributed report

LIVINGSTON- Senior Marie Heacox scored a career-high 18 points, but it wasn’t enough as The University of West Alabama Tiger women’s basketball team dropped a tough 65-63 decision at home Saturday afternoon against Southern Arkansas (3-2 overall).

The Tigers, who trailed by six points at halftime, and by as many as 12 points in the second half, cut the deficit to one late in the game, but missed a short jumper at the buzzer that would have sent the game into overtime. UWA finished the game, shooting 38.9 percent from the field, including 6-of-12 from long range.

Heacox finished 5-of-10 from the field, including a strong 4-of-5 from behind the three-point line, while also finishing with a game-high five steals. Wennica Foster poured in 16 points for the Tigers, while Veronica Lee dished out a team-best four assists. Sophomore Ashton Washington led UWA with nine rebounds, while Foster hauled in six rebounds.

Kim Davis finished with a team-best 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead SAU, while Brooke Grigsby and Sharonda Davis recorded 10 points apiece. Davis also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds, while Grigsby finished with four steals.

As a team, Southern Arkansas shot 45.6 percent from the field, on the strength of 40 percent from three-point range, while also connecting on 77.8 percent of their free throws.

UWA falls to 3-1 on the season and will take the court next on Tuesday night when they host Henderson State. Tip-off in Pruitt Hall is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

West Alabama head women’s basketball coach Amanda Marks has announced the early signing of one player who will join the Tigers for the 2006-07 season. Jenni Thomley (5-10, PG) will join the team as a freshman next season. Thomley is currently a senior on the Winfield (Ala.) High School basketball team.

As a junior at Fayette High School, Thomley scored 14.8 points per game, while grabbing 7.1 rebounds and dishing out 5.2 assists per contest. She also averaged 4.1 blocks and 1.4 steals per game.

Thomley received Honorable Mention All-State honors as a junior, while also being named to the 4A All-Area Tournament Team. She was also a member of both the AAU and YBOA State Champion Alabama Lady Warriors, while also earning All-WAC honors in basketball, volleyball, softball and track.

Thomley is the daughter of Randy and Dawn Thomley, both of whom graduated from West Alabama.