On February 26th, the North Alabama Lions men's basketball team celebrated senior night with a thrilling 73-68 victory over. Bellamine at home in Florence, Alabama. Seniors Dallas Howell and Dante Bacchus stepped up big in their final game at CB and S Bank Arena, combining for 38 points. Howell scored 18, including 14 in the first half, while Bacchus led with 20 points and 13 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.
This win gives the Lions, now 9-19 overall in 4-13 in the Atlantic Sun Conference, some crucial momentum heading into the conference tournament next week in Jacksonville, Florida. They're now just a half game behind North Florida for the 11th seed, with both teams wrapping up regular season play on Saturday. Fans packed the arena with over 2,250 fans in attendance, helping keep UNA at the top of the league in average crowd size. Before tip-off, the team honored forward Jamal Alberton for his three seasons with the program and student manager Chase Hawkins for his work since.
2021, other Lions and double figures included Cornelis Williams with 17 points and 10 rebounds, plus freshman Cortez Graham Howard's career high, 15 off the bench. Defensively, UNA clamped down on Bellarmine, holding them to 20% from free-point range, well below their usual 38.4%. Percent and just 5 assists compared to their average of 15.3%. The Lions also dominated the boards 42-22 and shot better from the free-throw line at 72%.
With a regular season finale at West Georgia this Saturday at 1 p.m., the Lions aimed to carry this energy into the Atlantic Sun Championship from March 4th through 8th.