The men’s basketball team picked up their first two victories in three weeks with two consecutive wins against West Georgia and West Alabama. UNA defeated West Georgia 81-69 at home Feb. 28 and West Alabama 81-77 away March 2.

“It is good to get back into the win column,” said Bobby Champagne, head coach. “That got us off the snide.”

The Lions had lost four straight games going into Thursday’s game against the West Georgia Wolves.

UNA scored 31 points in the paint and Champagne said that was important for the Lions’ success against West Georgia.

Senior player DeAndre Hersey had a 16-point game with seven rebounds that also helped to lead the Lions to victory.

“I know it had to do with us getting the ball on the inside,” he said.

The senior players from both the men’s and women’s teams were honored at the home game Feb. 28. For the senior men’s players, the win in Flowers Hall helped to end their season on a high note.

“It is a dream come true to finish with a win in Flowers,” Hersey said. “I love the fans, and they have shown me great love all season.”

After their win at home, UNA travelled to Livingston to defeat West Alabama for their final game of the year.

Champagne anticipated the game being a tough one for his players before they even hit the court.

“They have been tough the last 10 years in Livingston,” he said. “They have a small gym and can really pack the place out.”

The West Alabama game, however, gave the Lions their 19th win this year.

With their two final wins, the Lions finished the year ranking third in the GSC. They will play West Florida March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pete Hanna Center on the campus of Samford University.

Champagne has hopes that the consecutive wins will give the Lions added momentum and motivation when they face West Florida.

“I hope it puts guys in a better frame of mind,” he said.

The semifinals will be played March 9 with the men’s championship game being played at 4:30 p.m. March 10.