CARROLLTON, Ga. (February 15, 2025) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team concluded its four-game road swing Saturday afternoon, falling short to the West Georgia Wolves, 62-53.

Despite the loss, UNA (12-13, 7-7 ASUN) clinched an automatic berth into the 2025 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship set to begin March 7. The Lions clinch with four regular season games remaining, including three at home.

North Alabama moves even in the season series against West Georgia (11-14, 5-9 ASUN), as the home team won each game this season.

Junior India Howard had a game-high 15 rebounds against the Wolves – her second-highest rebounding output of the season. Howard also registered six points and a team-high three assists, but the Coppell, Texas native made her mark on the boards for her highest since 17 against Stetson on Jan. 16.

With the performance, Howard recorded her 500th career rebound.

The Lions and Wolves battled early in the return trip to the Coliseum, with UNA able to take an early lead to begin play. North Alabama led 7-4 to start, but a 6-0 run gave West Georgia its first lead at 10-7. The Lions would limit the Wolves to 33.3 percent shooting in the period, but West Georgia took the early advantage with a 16-13 first quarter lead.

UWG shot 53.8 percent to extend its lead at halftime to double digits, 31-19.

North Alabama got its answer with a strong third period, outscoring the Wolves, 20-16, to cut the deficit to single digits. The Lions opened with a quick 6-0 run, led by consecutive scores from Howard, sophomore Katie Criswell and junior Jazzy Klinge. Criswell and Klinge were the dynamic duo in the third quarter, leading with seven and six respective points.

UNA looked to continue it scoring outburst in the final period, but timely offense from West Georgia proved the difference in securing the home win. The Wolves only took nine shot attempts in the quarter but outscored the Lions, 15-14, to quell the North Alabama comeback.

Criswell and Gallegos were the leading scorers for UNA, finishing with a respective 15 and 12 points. For Criswell, it marks her second-straight double-digit scoring game and third in four games.

Gallegos led with three steals, and Klinge secured the lone block for North Alabama.

The Lions return to Florence for the next outing on Feb. 20, playing the Lipscomb Bisons in CB&S Bank Arena at 6 p.m.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.