The UNA men’s basketball team’s poor field goal percentage did not cost them when they defeated West Alabama Tigers 74-70 Jan. 26.

“Our field goal percentage — we have to shoot a lot better than what we are shooting,” said Bobby Champagne, head coach.

The game had eight lead changes and five ties as neither team could pull away. The biggest lead of the game was by nine points for UWA with 12:23 left in the first half.

“We knew it would be tough to rebound, and they got their average 18 offensive rebounds,” Champagne said. “They do a great job of going to the glass.”

The Tigers out-rebounded UNA 51-38 as the Lions struggled to control the glass.

A double-double by DeAndre Hershey anchored the paint for UNA as he had 14 points, despite going 2-9 from the field. He went 10-10 from the free-throw line and snatched 10 rebounds.

“He has played well the last couple of games and has been more consistent the last couple of games,” Champagne said. “He and Bruce Adams have been really consistent the past couple of games.”

Adams had a game high 21 points and added a steal and six rebounds to his totals. He also went 7-9 from the free-throw line — success that was seen from the whole team against UWA.

“We did a really good job of getting to the free-throw line and making our free throws,” Champagne said. “And that was a big difference. They went 14-22 and we went 29-35.”

The UNA bench scored 22 points against the Tigers, half by Wes Long. Long’s 11 points off the bench and his energy were very important to the victory.

“You know he is going to shoot threes and make threes, but he has also rebounded the ball the last couple of games,” Champagne said.

Champagne said the noise from the student section during the whole game definitely helped the team.

“The student section is getting a lot better,” he said. “Whoever is organizing those guys over there at the visitor’s bench, I hope they keep bringing friends. The crowds have been great. We have about four more games at home, so we‘ve got to make sure they keep coming.”

The Lions (14-3, 7-2) are preparing for their longest road trip of the season to play West Florida Jan. 31 and Valdosta State Feb. 2.

“That is going to be a tough road trip, but we have played well on the road,” Champagne said.