FLORENCE, Ala. (November 22, 2025) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team soared to a 73-44 win Saturday night over the West Alabama Tigers in CB&S Bank Arena in Florence, Ala.

North Alabama (4-2) returned home after a two-game road trip, getting back to its winning ways against an in-state rival. The Lions led for nearly wire-to-wire against West Alabama (2-1), rolling to the home win to remain unbeaten this season in CB&S Bank Arena.

This was the first meeting between the former Division II rivals since 2018, when UNA made the move to Division I. UNA has won seven of the last eight games against the Tigers. Tonight was the 82nd game between the two, making West Alabama the most played opponent for UNA all-time.

North Alabama had positive outings on both offense and defense on Saturday.

UNA shot 45.6 percent from the field while holding the Tigers to just 28.8 percent shooting. The Lions continued its trend of strong rebounding by outgaining West Alabama, 47-31, in the category. UNA also shared the ball en route to easy points, leading the way with 19 compared to just five for the Tigers.

North Alabama was led in scoring by junior Cameron McNamara and graduate Bukky Akinsola with 14 points each. McNamara scored in double figures for the fourth time this season while Akinsola secured her season high in points.

Freshman Gabby Jackson continues to pace UNA in rebounding with a team-high seven boards. She now has four-straight contests with seven or more rebounds. Akinsola totaled the team-high with four assists, while senior Alyssa Clutter, freshman Greta Ramon and sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti — in her return to action — added three assists.

Senior Alexsandra Alvarado's three steals tied the game high, followed by two each from Akinsola and junior Katie Criswell. Senior India Howard totaled the team's lone block in the contest.


HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST QUARTER: UNA 16, UWA 7

North Alabama took control and never looked back after the first period. The Lions' defense held West Alabama to 30 percent shooting while also forcing 10 Tiger turnovers. West Alabama's only lead was 3-2 at the 8:49 mark, but a 9-0 run into the media break swung momentum in favor of the Lions. UNA's starters led the charge offensively, scoring 15 of the 17 first-quarter points. Senior Jazzy Klinge, Akinsola, and Criswell each scored four points with Alvarado chipping in three early points.

SECOND QUARTER: UNA 30, UWA 14

A defensive quarter for both teams, North Alabama and West Alabama battled until a late run on both ends by the Lions. UNA held a slight 7-6 advantage in scoring into the media break, but the Lions' defense stood strong in holding the Tigers to one point after the halfway point. North Alabama outscore West Alabama, 7-1, for the half's remainder to hold the halftime lead.

THIRD QUARTER: UNA 57, UWA 28

Both teams nearly doubled their scoring output in the third quarter, as the Lions surged ahead by 29 points. UNA shot 61.1 percent from the field en route to 27 third-quarter points. Five Lions scored four or points led by Akinsola with seven points in the period. The defense also made it tough for the Tigers, limiting West Alabama to 30.8 percent shooting and forcing seven turnovers.

FOURTH QUARTER: UNA 73, UWA 44

A second-straight efficient scoring quarter gave way to a home victory. UNA finished the game with 50 percent shooting in the final period, going 8-16 from the field. McNamara and Jackson combined for 14 points in the frame, nearly outscoring the Tigers as a whole in the period. North Alabama secured its biggest lead in the contest at 69-32 with 5:47 left to play, seeing the game out with the 73-44 final.


UP NEXT

North Alabama next returns the court on Monday, Dec. 1 in CB&S Bank Arena against Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Tipoff from Florence is set for 6 p.m.