Dedric Ware scored a team-high 23 points and the Shorter men’s basketball team withstood a second half rally by West Alabama to earn a 73-68 road victory in Gulf South Conference action Thursday night.

Shorter (13-5, 7-3 GSC) led 34-23 at the half. The lead was fueled by a 13-4 run midway through the half.

West Alabama stormed back in the second half to trim Shorter’s lead to 68-67 with 1:40 remaining. But the Hawks made 5-of-6 free throws to seal the victory.

Walter Hill posted a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Brandon Pullman scored all nine of his points in the second half and finished with 10 rebounds.

In other college action:

West Alabama women 60,

Shorter 46

Shorter’s five-game winning streak came to an end with a road loss to West Alabama.

Nikkia Jordan scored 21 points to lead West Alabama (9-9, 4-6 GSC).

Former Coosa star Ieshia Alexander led the Lady Hawks with 16 points, and Karisma Boykin added 13. They were the only players to reach double digits for Shorter (11-7, 6-4 GSC).

Former Model standout Shelby Farrer had a career-high 15 rebounds and two blocked shots.

The Lady Tigers had a 25-4 edge in points from the bench.

Shorter will return to action on Saturday as the Lady Hawks welcome the West Georgia Wolves to the Winthrop-King Centre for a 2 pm tip-off.