Eaton leads UWA to win over West Georgia

Published 11:30 pm Tuesday, January 20, 2015

LIVINGSTON — Charles Eaton sank a baseline 3-point field goal with five seconds left to play to lead the University of West Alabama men’s basketball to a 73-71 victory over Gulf South Conference opponent, the University of West Georgia, at Pruitt Hall Saturday.

Eaton, who once starred at Selma High School and even played in the Alabama High School Athletic Association all-star game, scored 18 points in the game. He was 8-of-12 from the field and added seven rebounds.

“Eaton is really talented,” said UWA head coach Allen Sharpe said. “We just have to continue to work with him about when to shoot and when to hold off. I am really glad he made that shot, because he was about to get it for taking that shot too soon.”

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The Tigers extend their win streak to four and remain perfect at home at 6-0.

The win ties West Alabama (12-7; 7-4 in the GSC) with West Georgia (12-4 and 7-4), Shorter and Union for second place in the league standings. The loss snaps a three game win streak for UWG.

“West Georgia had some guys make plays that have not done what they did tonight all year,” Sharpe said.

“Some of their guys put up shots that we had backed off of, by design, but were still deflating to us. We figured out a way to get through it and get the win. It’s all about defending. Giving up 71 points is about as good as we could do and still be able to win the game.”

The game featured 12 lead changes with Wolves taking a 71-70 lead on a Taylor Cochran layup and free throw with six seconds remaining.

UWG maintained its lead through 25 minutes of action, leading 32-27 at the half.