Box Score

TUSKEGEE, Ala., – Niala Harris scored 27 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead the University of North Alabama women’s basketball team to its first win of the season in a 69-66 victory at Tuskegee Monday evening. The junior transfer from Chattanooga did most of her damage from the free throw line, hitting 17-of-19 attempts. She added five field goals and grabbed 10 boards on the offensive end.

Dana Jackson added 11 points for the Lions (1-3), while Ashley Moore also reached double figures with 10 points on the night. Tequila Martin had 24 points to lead Tuskegee (0-1).

UNA led 31-28 at the break after closing the half with seven straight points. The Tigers held a 28-24 advantage with two minutes remaining when Harris connected on a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to two at 28-26. A three-point shot by Lacy Lewis gave the Lions a one-point lead at the 1:14 mark, then Harris scored on an offensive putback at the half-time buzzer to give UNA the three-point lead.

In the second half, North Alabama held leads of 10 and eight only to see the home team rally to regain the lead each time. Tuskegee led 53-49 with 5:59 remaining when UNA made its final surge. Back-to-back three-pointers by Jackson and another three-point shot by Kierra McCleary put the Lions on top 58-53 at the 4:37 mark and the Tigers never able to regain the advantage.

UNA hit 7-of-8 free throws in the final 1:13 to seal the victory.

North Alabama will play its first home game of the season on Thursday against Henderson State. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at Flowers Hall.