CARROLLTON, Ga. - For the first time this season, the University of West Georgia men's basketball team suffered defeat against a Gulf South Conference opponent, losing to the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers 58-57 on Thursday night inside the Coliseum.
 
Despite holding the Chargers to just 39% from the field, 29% from three, and 57% from the free throw line, the Wolves were unable to grind out the tough victory, despite a tough offensive night of their own. 
 
"We just weren't very good offensively," said head coach Dave Moore following the loss. "You have to be able to make shots over the top of their zone, and get them out of the zone and we weren't able to do that tonight," said Moore. 
 
The first half turned into a series of runs for both sides, beginning with the Chargers. Alabama-Huntsville (10-3, 6-2 GSC) started the game on a 10-4 run for the first four minutes of game action, led by Luke Burnett who scored five of the 10. 
 
Following the media timeout, the Wolves (6-2, 6-1 GSC) came out roaring, going on a 22-9 run over the next eight minutes of the half, getting five quick points from Kolten Griffin. The Wolves shot 5-7 from three during the run, with Michael Zabetakis going a perfect 3-3 during the stretch. 
 
Continuing with the theme of the half, Alabama Huntsville finished the final seven minutes on a 12-3 run, holding the Wolves to just 1-6 shooting from the field, ending the half with a 29-27 lead. 
 
To start the second half, it was neck and neck for both sides, with the Wolves keeping the score close, even tying the ballgame 39-39 with 11 minutes to play. For the next seven minutes, however, the Chargers went on a 17-7 run to pull away with a 10 point lead, fueled by their leading scorer Chaney Johnson. 
 
The Wolves would not be denied, as they came storming back, using a three pointer from Kolten Griffin, two layups from Jalen Sasser, and two clutch free throws from Zabetakis. The Wolves were able to force two stops, including a shot clock violation and two missed shots, but were unable to capitalize on their final shot, dropping a hard fought contest, 58-57. 
 
"I thought we guarded particularly well, but the biggest thing was the turnovers for us tonight," said Moore. "We had 15 turnovers and they score 18 points off of those turnovers, and you can't get away with things like that against a good Alabama-Huntsville team," said Moore. 
 
Zabetakis led all scorers with 20 points, with Sasser being the only other Wolf to score in double digits, finishing with 11. The Wolves did a great job of holding Johnson to just 12 points, as he averages 17.6 per contest. Sasser also finished with 10 rebounds, for his first double double of the season. 
 
The Wolves will now turn their attention to the West Alabama Tigers, traveling to Livingston, Ala. for the final game before the holiday break. Tip off is set for 5:00 p.m. EST.