NASHVILLE, Tenn., – North Alabama built a 17-point lead in the second half and held off Lipscomb for a 76-68 road victory Monday evening in ASUN Conference women's basketball action. The fourth win in the last five games gives UNA an 11-13 overall record and evens the team's ASUN record at 6-6 on the year.
 
Skyler Gill led three UNA players in double figures with 21 points. The freshman from Wichita, Kan., was 9-of-15 from the floor.
 
The Lions led 17-14 at the end of the first quarter and stretched the lead to double digits in the second period. After a basket by Lipscomb cut the deficit to 31-26 midway through the second quarter, UNA closed the half on a 9-0 run.
 
The Bisons failed to score for the final 4:47 of the half while UNA got two free throws from Patrycja Jaworska, a three-point basket by Hina Suzuki and consecutive baskets in the lane by Gill. Gill took an inbounds pass and scored as time expired to give the Lions a 40-26 lead at the break.
 
Lipscomb was able to get within nine points at the 5:10 mark of the third quarter. UNA answered with a three-pointer by Jade Moore to regain the double-digit lead. Another trey by Jaworska and a layup by Macey Lee in the final minute of the period put the Lions ahead 61-45 heading into the final period.
 
North Alabama's largest lead of the day came early in the fourth quarter when a putback by Suzuki made the score 63-46. The Bisons, however, made one last push.
 
The Lions did not score for 4:26 as the home team chipped away at the deficit. Lipscomb got within four points with 4:21 remaining and had possession after a defensive stop. UNA was able to force a miss on the ensuing possession and Moore connected from long range to push the lead to 68-61 at the 2:53 mark.
 
The Bisons could get no closer than five the rest of the way as UNA made 8-of-10 free throws in the final 1:16 to seal the win.
 
Jaworska tied a season-high with 18 points. The graduate transfer from Texas A&M International also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out eight assists on the day. Alexis Callins also reached double figures for the Lions with 14 points. Jalyn Holcomb led Lipscomb (8-17 overall, 3-9 ASUN) with 15 points.
 
UNA will play at Eastern Kentucky on Thursday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. (CST) at McBrayer Arena on the EKU campus in Richmond, Va.