NORTH ALABAMA HOLDS OFF LMU FOR 77-72 WIN

FLORENCE -- North Alabama saw its 13-point lead dwindle in the second half but the Lions held on for a 77-72 (Box Score) win over Lincoln Memorial at Flowers Hall.

UNA led 40-30 at halftime and extended its lead to 13 at 55-42 with 14:03 to play. But the Railsplitters continued to chip away at the Lions lead before cutting it to three at 71-68 with 1:58 to play. A three-pointer by Javier Palacios and late free throws from A.J. Gordon and Pervis Key helped ice the win.

Reprobatus Bibbs led UNA with 14 points and Palacios and Gordon added 13 each. Gordon led UNA with 12 rebounds.

Stevie Akridge led LMU with 19 and Brad Seal and Ike Poe added 11 each.

UNA is now 13-12 overall and 5-7 in the Gulf South Conference. LMU falls to 5-20 and 3-9.

The win strengthened UNA's hold on the fifth spot in the GSC East standings as the Lions try and earn a spot in the GSC Tournament.