Box Score

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Union University men's basketball came up just short of a road win in an 81-79 loss at Henderson State University. Union dropped to 1-2 on the season, while Henderson State improved to 3-0.
 
Union scored first, but Henderson State responded with a three pointer to take the lead. Henderson State extended their lead to as many as 12 points in the first half and led by five points, 42-637 at the break.
 
In the second half, the Reddies pushed their lead to as many as 13 points, 50-37, with 17:19 left in the game. However, the young Union team would not go away. They battled back slowly and with 6:52 left, a basket from Dani Marti pulled Union to with one point, 65-64.
 
Henderson State answered jumped back up by eight points. But again Union rallied and this time, grabbed the lead. A 9-0 run by Union, capped by a three pointer from Corieon Pearson put Union up 75-74, their first lead since 2-0. Union led 77-75 and again 79-78 with 1:24 left.
 
The Reddies tied the game 79-79 when Joe McCoy made one of two free throws. After a Union turnover, Henderson State missed a three pointer, but was able to coral their own rebound. Then with six seconds left, Andrew Ensley made a basket and was fouled to give Henderson State the lead, 81-79. After the missed free throw, Union got the rebound but missed their shot attempt on the other end as time expired.
 
Union was led with five players in double figures. AJ Roberts scored 18 points, while Pedro Faller added 15 points, all coming on his five 3-pointers. Roy Bullock scored 13 points, while Anthony Freeman and Pearson added 12 points each. Freeman completed a double-double with 10 rebounds. Union shot 46 percent from the field, 39 percent (9-23) from long range, and 74 percent (20-27) from the free throw line.
 
Henderson State was led by Danzel Lyles with 19 points and Melvin Haynes with 18 points. Ensley added 17 points and Jonathan Fitzgerald scored 11 points. The Reddies shot 51 percent from the field, 38 percent (8-21) from 3-point range, and 48 percent (11-23) from the free throw line.
 
#UNION#