HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (December 15, 2025) – Foul trouble, turnovers and free throw shooting ultimately ended a three-game winning streak for the University of North Alabama men's basketball team on Monday, as Alabama A&M defeated the Lions 68-60 in a hard-fought road game inside the AAMU Event Center in Huntsville.
North Alabama (5-5) started strong in what became a physical game, taking an early double-digit lead in the first half. However, the Lions succumbed to the defensive pressure as the home team swayed the momentum.
Alabama A&M (6-4) continued a seven-game home winning streak that dates back to last season. AAMU also snapped a three-game losing streak in the all-time series against North Alabama with the first win over UNA since 2019.
Battling with three players in foul trouble, UNA got a career-high 20 points from junior guard
Canin Jefferson in a gritty effort. Despite four fouls, sixth-year senior
Dallas Howell finished with 16 points on four triples. Senior
Donte Bacchus — the leading scorer for the season — added 10.
Redshirt junior
Corneilous Williams — a usual threat for North Alabama — fouled out with just over five minutes remaining. He had seven points and eight rebounds in just 21 minutes before exiting the game. Despite his minute count, he led the Lions in rebounding and was one off the game high.
The Lions were the better team shooting from the field and behind the arc, but free throws ultimately decided the game. AAMU went 21-31 at the line, while the Lions went 10-17 on limited opportunities. AAMU won the boards 42-32 and limited UNA to just three points off turnovers to make up the difference.
The Bulldogs were led by Kintavious Dozier with 24 points over 38 minutes.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half: The Lions were all over the Bulldogs early on, hitting three of the first five triples with back-to-back makes from Howell and one from Bacchus to go up 9-3 by the first media timeout. Alabama A&M started 1-11 from the field and 0-5 behind the arc. UNA took full advantage of the cold start, extending the lead to 22-9 at the under-8:00 media timeout. The home team began surging back, using a 12-2 run to cut the deficit to 24-21 at the 4:28 mark. After a UNA timeout, the Bulldogs took the lead with under three minutes to go. Howell snapped the scoring drought to tie it with under two remaining, then Jefferson sank another triple to make it 29-28 at halftime. Howell led the team with 10 points in the first half. Koron Davis led AAMU with 12.
Second Half: Alabama A&M jumped ahead with a 5-0 run to open the second half, but the Lions kept pace as the ties and lead changes continued. Despite some second half foul trouble and fewer opportunities at the line, the Lions kept finding ways to produce points with Howell and Jefferson leading the offensive efforts. Later, Alabama A&M took its largest lead of the game at 54-45 with 7:55 remaining. Back within two possessions at 56-50 with 5:44 remaining, the Lions suffered a major blow as
Corneilous Williams fouled out. The Bulldogs maintained a slim lead the rest of the way, capitalizing on the boards and on free throw opportunities.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- The Lions continue to lead the all-time series with a 20-7 record against Alabama A&M. This includes a 3-2 record in the Division I era.
- Corneilous Williams grabbed his 500th career rebound before the first media timeout. Over 400 of those have been at UNA the last two seasons.
- UNA shot 21-50 for 42 percent compared to 21-56 for Alabama A&M for 37.5 percent.
- UNA also led behind the arc, going 8-19 for 42.1 percent. AAMU went just 5-22 for 22.7 percent.
- The Lions struggled with turnovers early on with 10 in the first half but only finished with 12 for the game. UNA had just three points off turnovers.
- UNA was outrebounded on the offensive glass 14-4. This was the first time UNA failed to have double-digit offensive boards this season.
COMING UP NEXT
The Lions close the non-conference slate and calendar year at Loyola Marymount on Friday, Dec. 19. Tipoff in Los Angeles is set for 9 p.m. CT.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
