FLORENCE – Seconds after North Alabama took its first lead since early in the game, West Alabama’s Jason Swanson drained a three-point basket as time expired to lift the Tigers to a 78-76 Gulf South Conference win over UNA Thursday evening at Pruitt Hall on the UWA campus.

The Lions had battled back from a 17-point second-half deficit to take a 76-75 lead on a jumper by Jared Strode with 13 seconds remaining. Swanson, however, gave UWA its first conference victory with the three-pointer as the Tigers improved to 10-8 overall in 1-1 in league play. With the loss, North Alabama falls to 8-8 overall and 1-2 in the GSC.

West Alabama took a 39-27 lead at the break, and stretched the advantage to 17 points early in the second half. A layup by Brandon Hampton gave the Tigers a 56-39 advantage with 13:33 remaining.

The Lions were able to slowly chip away at the deficit and grab a one-point advantage in the final minute of play. With UWA leading 75-71, Daviel Clements hit a three-pointer with 37 seconds left. UNA was able to force a turnover on the ensuing possession to set up Strode’s final shot. The three-pointer left just enough time for the Tigers to come back down the floor for the game-winner.

Rory Miller led the Lions with 26 points on the night. Strode added 20 points and six rebounds, while Clements tossed in 17 points for UNA.

UNA will play at Alabama-Huntsville in another key GSC road game Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Spragins Hall on the UAH campus.