FLORENCE – Amber Rutherford  scored 22 points and pulled nine rebounds to lead North Alabama to an 80-71 win over Alabama-Huntsville that clinched a spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament for Lions.

 

UNA led 45-37 at the half and held off a late UAH charge to preserve the win. The victory gives UNA an overall 14-12 record and a 7-4 GSC mark. UNA will advance to the GSC post-season tournament for the third straight season.

 

UAH fell to 7-19 and 3-8 with the loss. The North Alabama win gave the Lions a sweep over the Chargers for the season.

 

Jameica York added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists to the UNA attack, while Dana Jackson scored 18. UNA forced 16 UAH turnovers and the Chargers were held to just 40 percent shooting from the floor. North Alabama made six three-point baskets in the game and the Lions were a solid 26-of-30 from the free throw line.

    

North Alabama will close out its regular season at home on Feb. 28 against West Georgia.