UNA defeated Valdosta State University 51-49 last Thursday and fell to the University of West Florida 67-52 on Saturday.

A few stops down the stretch and some clutch free-throws preserved the win over Valdosta State.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way,” said head coach Missy Tiber.

The Lions were held to 18 points in the first half, shooting just 24 percent from the field.

The first-half shooting also saw the Lions go 0-7 from beyond the arc.

“We’ve got to start making shots we should be making,” Tiber said.

Valdosta State did not fair much better in the half, shooting just 30 percent from the field, but Valdosta took a 22-18 advantage into the intermission.

“Our defense was good, but we had too many turnovers,” Tiber said. “Second-chance opportunities are crucial.”

Offensively, UNA played much better in the second half.

The Lions shot 41.7 percent from the field, while connecting on five of their nine three-point attempts.

Delisa Madry started to heat, scoring all 12 of her points in the second half.

“I tell Delisa all the time, it’s your job to make shots,” Tiber said.

Lauren Faris led all scorers with 15 points and played all 40 minutes for the Lions.

With just one minute remaining in the contest, the score was within two points.

Faris put the game away with two made free throws with 5.4 seconds left.

The Lions turned their attention to West Florida Saturday and came up short.

The Argonauts dominated the glass to the tune of 57 rebounds, holding UNA to only 36.

“There is something wrong when you give up 24 offensive rebounds,” Tiber said. “West Florida just out-hustled us, (and) our effort was not where it needed to be.”

West Florida forced the Lions into 21 turnovers, while committing only 13 of their own.

“The frustrating part was that most of our turnovers did not come off of their press,” Tiber said. “If they would have, it wouldn’t be quite as frustrating.”

After being down 13 in the second half, UNA cut the lead to seven. Following some costly turnovers, West Florida was able to extend the lead back to 13.

The Lions would not threaten again and the Argonauts held on for a 15-point victory.

This marks the first home loss for Missy Tiber at UNA.

The lady Lions take the road next week, where they will play Delta State University Thursday and Christian Brothers University Saturday.

Thursday night’s tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m., while Saturday’s game is slated for 2 p.m.