Underwood leads UWA to first road win

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Sandy Underwood scored a career-high 33 points to lead West Alabama to its first road victory by defeating West Florida, 89-75, in Gulf South Conference basketball action Monday at UWF Field House.

The win improved UWA to 6-5 overall and 3-2 in GSC play. West Florida dropped to 2-8 and 1-3.

“We played much better tonight on both sides of the ball,” UWA head coach Mark Downey said. “We executed the game plan and had a complete effort.

“We beat them at the glass and out-rebounded them which is huge for us. We also did a great job of guarding them and we made shots early. We changed our approach a little bit tonight and it paid off, so hopefully we can get going now.”

Underwood converted 14-of-19 field goal attempts on the way to setting his career scoring high which he set with 29 points against Stillman in the season opener.

Three more Tigers also posted double-digit points with Desmond Raymond following Underwood with 19 points. Lleon Tillman recorded his third double-double in three starts with 17 points and 12 boards, while Jarell Byrd ended with 11 points.

West Alabama battled through six lead changes in the opening minutes and finished with 65.6 shooting percentage in the first half to breakout to a 49-35 lead at the break.

Three Argonauts scored double figures, led by Nate Johnson who had 22 points as well as 12 boards. Mario Stramaglia had 18 points, while Terrance Townes had 15.

West Alabama will wrap up its three game road stretch at West Georgia on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. (C.S.T.) in The Coliseum.

“We’ve figured out how to win one on the road,” said Downey. “I think that’s what will be key this year to winning the league. Now we have to turn our focus towards West Georgia and getting healthy.”