UWA women earn first conference win of season

Published 1:06 pm Sunday, January 6, 2013

LIVINGSTON – Brittany Weathers, the leading scorer in the Gulf South Conference, scored 24 points to lead West Alabama to an 82-61 women’s GSC win over West Georgia Saturday at Pruitt Hall.

The victory improves West Alabama to 6-5 overall and 1-2 in the Gulf South Conference. West Georgia had a four-game winning streak snapped, dropping to 7-4 and 1-2.

“Brittany continues to score the basketball. Her improvement has been a two-fold process, starting with her working hard in the offseason to get her shot off better,” UWA head coach Craig Roden said. “The fact that she is playing with what might be the best point guard combination in the league doesn’t hurt either.”

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UWA’s two-headed combo at point are Tiarra Pritchett, who leads the GSC in assists at 4.4 per game, and Lanita Futrell, who dished out four assists in 16 minutes played.

Nikkia Jordan followed Weathers with 20 points. Jamie Gunter scored 13 points and Synthea Reed 10 to round out UWA double-figure scoring. Reed also collected 10 rebounds and blocked six shots.

“Shooters love to play with people who lead the league in assists,” Roden said. “Jordan can score as well and she makes it easier for others to score. Her being on the court opens things up for her teammates.”

With neither team having played for 18 days due to the Christmas break, play in the first half was ragged. UWA shot 37 percent from the floor and West Georgia 31 percent. The Tigers improved to 50 percent in the second half to finish at 43 percent (29-66) for the game. The Wolves converted just 18-of-60 for the game.

“We have been off since December 17 so our timing was off a little bit, especially on defense,” Roden said. “We put them on the free throw line way too much.”

The Wolves attempted 34 free throws, making 18. West Alabama made 17-of-18 free throw attempts and outrebounded UWG 50-40. Both teams committed 13 turnovers.

JaDechia Hill scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead West Georgia. Mone Peoples chipped in 13 points. Jerilsa Taylor scored 12 and dished out five assists.

UWA returns to GSC action Thursday when West Florida visits Pruitt Hall. West Georgia hosts Valdosta State.