Miles shot over 50 percent in the second half and erased a nine-point deficit to hold the lead with less than 30 seconds left, but West Alabama had the final answer in earning a 57-55 win Tuesday at Knox-Windham Gymnasium in the Golden Bears' home opener.

Jeffrey Dockett had a game-high 12 points and scored with 37 seconds left to give Miles (0-2) a 55-53 lead. But West Alabama guard LaJuan Hardy (nine points, six rebounds, seven assists) knocked down a 3-pointer with Dockett defending with 10 seconds left to give the Tigers (1-2) the lead for good. The Golden Bears had a chance to jump back on top but UWA forced a turnover and Hardy made 1-of-2 free throws in front of a Miles halfcourt heave that ended the game.

The Golden Bears trailed 28-23 at the half but erased the deficit when Devante Fuller's jumper tied the game at 33 less than five minutes into the second half. But Miles would not make a field goal for the next six minutes and when Hardy knocked down a 3-pointer with just less than 11 minutes left, the Tigers led 43-34. Still, a 10-2 run over the next four minutes - punctuated with a 3-point play from Fuller (10 points, seven rebounds) - gave Miles a 48-47 lead with five minutes remaining. From there, there where two ties and five lead changes as the teams battled to the end.

Jake Jobling had 10 points and Trey Petty had seven points and 10 rebounds to pace the Tigers. LaByron Harris (nine points, five rebounds), Jelani Watson-Gayle and Avery Brown (eight points each) led a balanced scoring effort for Miles, which is back in action on Saturday at Clark Atlanta. tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.