The University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Athletics celebrates Military Appreciation Day. But fans of University of West Alabama Tigers joyfully celebrated their victory this Friday over current Gulf South Conference title holders, the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers. With a final score of 72-57, the Tigers handed the Chargers their only home game loss this season so far. This loss has removed the Chargers from their Top 3 slot for the conference, although they still have a month to fight their way back up the rankings.
Photo Cred: UAH Athletics
The Tigers started the game out strong, scoring five points almost as soon as the game started, leading the Chargers to call a 30 second timeout only two minutes into the first half. Following the timeout, the Chargers began to get their heads in the game and started scoring as well. Several fouls from the Chargers gave the Tigers the opportunity to score several free throw points, further contributing to the Tiger’s court dominance. Near the end of the half, the Tigers had several fouls as well, but the free throws granted to the Chargers failed to shift the direction of the half. The half ended with the Tigers having 32 points, while the Chargers only scored 25.
Photo Cred: UAH Athletics
The start of the second half gave Chargers fans some hope as they scored several baskets while the Tigers continued to accumulate fouls. This led to four free throw opportunities for the Chargers for a total of eight free points. With 12 minutes left on the clock, the Tigers called a timeout, allowing the players the chance to collect themselves. From this point onwards, the Tigers reestablished the dominance that they possessed in the first half, scoring basket after basket while the Chargers desperately attempted to keep up. In the end, the Chargers found themselves unable to successfully challenge the mighty Tigers that had entered their home and fell 57-72.
Photo Cred: UAH Athletics
Senior CJ Williamson guided the UAH offense on Saturday with a team-high 16 points and six rebounds as he shot 6-for-12 from the floor. He has now recorded 10 or more points in a game on eight occasions in 2022-23. Williamson was joined in double-digit scoring by Chaney Johnson and Luke Burnett at 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Johnson also tied with Williamson for the team lead on the boards with six rebounds as well.
