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

“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 rebounds,” Champagne said. “They do a great job of going to the glass.”

The Tigers out-rebounded UNA 51-38, while the difference in the game seemed to be found on the free-throw line.

“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 Lions (14-3, 7-2) head into their longest road trip of the season as they travel to play West Florida Jan. 31 and Valdosta State Feb. 2. The Lions are currently tied for first place in the GSC with the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

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

The Lions have nine conference games left in the regular season, which concludes with a trip to Livingston to play West Alabama again March 2.

“Hopefully this second half of conference play, we can continue to play as we have been playing.” Champagne said.