CARROLLTON, Ga., – The University of North Alabama men’s basketball team was unable to get back on track in the Gulf South Conference East Division race Saturday night at West Georgia. The Wolves moved into third place in the division with a 72-68 victory while UNA dropped to fifth place with a 2-5 league record.

The third straight loss gives the Lions a 10-12 overall record and puts the team in danger of missing next month’s GSC Tournament. UWG improves to 11-10 with an even 3-3 conference record.

On Saturday, West Georgia took a slim 31-29 lead at the break before opening the second half on a 17-5 run. A layup by Jeremy Smith put the Wolves on top 48-34 with 13:07 remaining.

UNA was able to make a run to get within striking distance. A three-point basket by Warrick Mastin cut the lead to 64-63 at the 1:44 mark, but the Lions were never able to tie the game or take the lead. With West Georgia ahead 71-68, UNA missed a pair of three-pointers in the final 30 seconds before the Wolves added another free throw to seal the win.

Jared Strode led all scorers with 20 points, while Rory Miller turned in a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Lions. UWG was led by Vojin Svilar’s 17 points.

UNA will return home next week and play four of the season’s final five games at Flowers Hall. The Lions will host West Alabama on Thursday with tip-off set for 8 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear white to the game to support the program’s White Out the Tigers promotion.