PENSACOLA, Fla., – Rory Miller scored 22 of his game-high 30 points in the second half as the University of North Alabama men’s basketball team rallied to defeat West Florida 81-78 Wednesday evening in Gulf South Conference action. The season-high performance by the junior from Jesup, Ga., helped the Lions break a three-game skid and improve to 9-9 on the season with a 2-3 showing in GSC play.

The Lions trailed 43-35 at the break and were down by as many as 13 in the second half. After a pair of free throws by the Argonauts made the score 66-53 with 10:37 remaining, UNA made its move. Miller scored 12 straight points as the Lions used a 14-2 run to get back in the game.

West Florida (7-10 overall, 1-4 GSC) maintained the lead down the stretch until the final minute of play. With the Lions trailing 78-76, Marquel Darrington took an assist from Miller on a fast break and scored on a layup after being fouled. His free throw with 50 second remaining completed the three-point play and gave UNA its first lead since the 6:10 mark of the first half.

The Argonauts missed a three-point basket on the ensuing possession and Jared Strode put the game out of reach with a pair of free throws with 18 seconds remaining. The Lions held West Florida without a field goal in the final 2:48 of play.

Daviel Clements added 16 points for North Alabama while Warrick Mastin tossed in 11 points on the night. Strode rounded out the top performers for the Lions with a double-double, including 10 points and 12 rebounds.

UNA will return to Flowers Hall on Saturday for its first home game in two weeks. The Lions are set to take on Concordia-Selma with tip-off set for 3 p.m.

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