FLORENCE – Dimarrio Jackson scored a game-high 26 points and Bilal Richardson added 13 points and 16 rebounds as the University of North Alabama men's basketball team handed Kentucky Wesleyan its first loss of the season with a 94-81 victory Saturday evening at Flowers Hall.

The Lions built a double-digit lead at the half and held off a late rally by the Panthers in the closing minutes to improve to 3-2 on the season. Jackson scored 24 of his points in the first half on 8-of-11 shooting with a three-pointer and seven free throws. The Lions took a 46-33 lead into the break.

In the second half, North Alabama maintained its double-digit lead until 2:58 remaining. KWC, however, would get no closer than eight points down the stretch. The Lions shot 50 percent (13-of-26) from the floor over the final 20 minutes of play. UNA led by as many as 18 points in the second half before the Panthers made their final push.

Austin Timms added 13 points and three blocked shots while freshman Tavaras Tolliver also reached double figures with 11 points on the night.

For the game, UNA held a 47-43 edge in rebounding. The Lions also hit 29-of-40 free throw attempts.

Ken-Jah Bosley scored 24 points to lead Kentucky Wesleyan (3-1).

UNA will wrap up the non-conference portion of its schedule next Saturday with a home game against Miles. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at Flowers Hall.