LIVINGSTON, Ala.- The University of West Florida Men's Basketball team came up short against the University of West Alabama Tigers 68-74 on Saturday evening. The No.22 ranked Argos are now 11-2 on the season and 5-1 in Gulf South Conference action.
 
"I was really proud of our effort tonight," said Head Coach Jeff Burkhamer. "We played with a limited roster and were in the game until the final moments, on the road, against a good team.  We made some mistakes on both sides of the ball but also made some outstanding plays.  We have to put this game behind us and get ready for a good Huntsville team on Tuesday."
 
The Argos started off the night on a 5-0 run, with Conor Flanagan scoring all five points. The Tigers broke up the run when Shardarrion Allen was fouled and went to the free throw line, scoring the Tigers first two points of the game.
 
West Florida and West Alabama went back and forth throughout the course of the game, causing 13 lead changes. The Argos largest lead of the night was during the first half with 4:39 remaining. UWF had a 27-20 lead over UWA. The Tigers largest lead came during the final minute of the game. With 43 seconds remaining UWA had a 69-61 lead over UWF.
 
Conor Flanagan and LaTrell kept the Argos offense going during the first 20 minutes of play. Flanagan and Tate each had eight points going into halftime. Flanagan also led the team in rebounds with five and assists with three. As a team West Florida was 13-29 from the field on 44.8 percent shooting. West Alabama was 12-32 on 37.5 percent shooting.
 
With seven seconds remaining in the half West Alabama took a one point lead after a jumper from Te Smith. West Florida trailed 34-33 at the half.
 
In the second half both teams came out on fire. West Alabama was able to maintain the lead majority of the half. The Tigers improved their field goal percentage in the second half to 45.2 percent, going 14-31 from the field.
 
Daniel Sofield came to life for UWF in the second half, finishing the game with 16 points as the team's leading scorer. The Argos narrowly outshot the Tigers in the second half with a field goal percentage of 45.5 percent going 15-33 from the field.
 
In the final minute of the game West Florida was able to come back from a seven point deficit. With 29 seconds remaining the Argos were down 66-69, after Jejuan Weatherspoon drove through the paint to put the Argos within three. West Alabama would go on to score four more times, stalling the West Florida comeback.
 
UWF finished the evening going 28-62 from the field, for a field goal percentage of 45 percent. Sofield finished the night with 16 points. LaTrell Tate had 13 points and a team high six assists. Jejuan Weatherspoon and Conor Flanagan had 10 points each, while Weatherspoon had a team high eight rebounds.
 
 UWA was 26-36 from the field on 41 percent shooting. The Tigers outrebounded the Argos 40-35. Miles Kortrijk led West Alabama in scoring and rebounding with 20 points and nine rebounds.
 
Up next West Florida will travel to Alabama Huntsville on Tuesday, Jan.4. Tipoff against the Chargers is set for 4 P.M. 
 
How to follow the Argos: For complete information on UWF Men's Basketball follow the team on Instagram @UWFMBB and Twitter @UWFMENSBBALL