Box Score JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University men's basketball team opened the 2012-2013 season with an 86-70 win over Central Baptist College (Ark.). Central Baptist fell to 1-3 overall.

Union trailed only once in the game, off Central Baptist's basket after the opening tipoff. Union took the lead 3-2 just under the three minute mark and never trailed. The Bulldogs earned their biggest lead of the half with a jumper by Paul Valdor to put the Bulldogs up 40-14 and a 26-point lead.

In the second half, Union extended their lead to 33 on a jumper by Anthony Freeman, Jr. and assist by Giosha Koguashvilli. Union led 61-28 with 14 minutes to play.

Central Baptist made a comeback late in the second half, inching to within eight points of Union with less than three minutes to play in the game. Dani Marti guaranteed the win with a couple made free throws and a three-pointer with just under two minutes remaining.

Freeman and Marti led the way for Union with twenty points each. AJ Roberts added to Union's victory by recording a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Roberts was also a perfect 8-8 from the field. As a team, Union shot 43 percent from the field, 45 percent (9-20) from three point range, and 75 percent (9-12) from the free throw line.

Central Baptist was led by Armando Everette recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Spencer Caraway was right behind Everette with 17 points. Central Baptist shot 37 percent from the field, 40 percent (8-20) from three point range, and 83 percent (10-12) from the free throw line.

Up next for Union will be against Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma on November 15 at 7:30 p.m.

#UNION#