UNA women knock off Alabama

TUSCALOOSA - It may not count in the standings, but the North Alabama women earned a signature win Wednesday night, knocking off Alabama 68-67 in an exhibition game at Coleman Coliseum.

Niala Harris scored on a driving layup with 3.0 seconds remaining to give UNA the win. Harris' basket capped a big comeback after the Lions trailed by as many as 17.

"This is really big for our kids," coach Terry Fowler said. "We're going to try to keep it in perspective because we're just 0-0, but it is a great confidence builder for the girls. They now see that their hard work is paying off."

Alabama led by as many as 17 points in the second half, but the Lions clawed back into the game with free throws and 3-point shooting, eventually tying the game at 56 with 5:28 remaining on a layup by Jameica York.

The Tide answered with five straight points from junior college transfer LaToya King to push the lead back to five, but the Lions would not go away, staying close by making 4of 5 free throws in the final four minutes.

Alabama led 67-64 in the final minute before two free throws by Dana Jackson pulled the Lions within one with 17 seconds to play. UNA then fouled and King missed the 1-and-1. UNA got the rebound and quickly got the ball to Harris. The Gadsden State transfer passed up an open 3-pointer, drove the lane and made the finger roll that gave the Lions the lead and the victory.

Sanqueeta Meardith and Lacy Lewis led UNA with 14 points each. York added 13 points, while Jackson and Harris had 11 each. Tierney Jenkins paced Alabama with 17.

UNA now travels to Orlando, Fla., for the Disney Tip-Off Classic that begins Friday.

"I'm proud of the way the girls kept fighting, even when we were down by 17," Fowler said.

"We didn't shoot well all night, but then we made started making shots at the end. Our bench was big for us tonight. It's a huge win for us."