FLORENCE – Leah Roberts’ three-pointer with 18 seconds remaining in regulation didn’t affect the outcome of North Alabama’s Gulf South Conference match-up against Alabama-Huntsville on Saturday.

It did, however, turn out to be a very big shot for the senior from Red Bay. The basket gave the Lions 14 three-pointers on the day, breaking a school record for most in a single game during UNA’s 87-71 victory over the Lady Chargers at Flowers Hall.

Five UNA players reached double digits in scoring as the Lions used the victory and a loss by Montevallo to claim second place spot in the GSC East Division. The Lions will enter the upcoming conference tournament as the division’s no. 2 seed and face the third-seeded team from the West.

Against UAH, UNA got things off to a quick start. After trailing briefly at 8-2 early in the contest, the Lions used a 41-7 run to take control in the first half. UNA hit 11 three-pointers during the run, shooting 61 percent from beyond the arc to help build a 52-35 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Lady Chargers never got the lead to single digits. Amber Rutherford led all scorers with 23 points for the game.
The sophomore from Hatton hit 8-of-14 shot from the floor and went 7-of-7 from the free throw line. Jessica Strucher also had a big game, knocking down five three-point baskets to finish with 15 points.

Tandra Inmon also reached double digits in scoring with 13 points for the Lions while Brittany Godsey added 12 and Chelsey Malone tossed in 11 on the day.

UNA will open the GSC tournament on Thursday at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. The Lions will take on Southern Arkansas at 2:45 p.m. The winner will play at 2:45 the following Saturday.