Box Score
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball fell 66-44 to NCAA DII No. 10 Clayton State (Ga.) University Saturday afternoon in the final game of the Lady Bulldog Classic. Union dropped to 1-1, while Clayton State improved to 2-0.
The loss for Union snapped a 42-game home winning streak that dated back to March of 2010. Union has now won 102 of their last 104 games at Fred DeLay Gymnasium.
Union and Clayton State swapped baskets in the opening moments of play, with Union leading 3-2 and again 5-4. But a 3-point basket by Shacamra Jackson gave Clayton State a lead they would not give up. The Lakers of Clayton State led by as many as nine points two different times in the first half, while Union cut the deficit to as close as two points late in the first half. But it was the visiting Lakers pushing their lead to seven at the break, 30-23.
In the second half, Clayton State quickly pushed their lead to double figures. Union cut the lead down to nine points, 39-30 with 15:58 left, but got no closer. Clayton State's defense helped extend their lead to as many as 27 points, before taking the final 66-44.
Clayton state blocked eight of Union's shots and forced 15 turnovers in the game. Union continued their hot shooting from long range, making 7-of-16 for 44 percent. However, the Lady Bulldogs managed just 32 percent overall from the field, and just 26 percent when factoring out the three pointers.
Union was led by a pair of sophomore guards,
Amy Philamlee and
Amber Rechis, with 12 points each. The two combined for five of Union's seven 3-pointers.
LaTesa McLaughlin added 10 points and eight assists. Only four other players scored for Union, with each of them making just one field goal. Union made 5-of-6 free throws.
Clayton State was led by Drameka Griggs with 22 points. Jackson and Arkia Armstrong added 12 and 11 points respectively. Jackson also added 10 rebounds and five blocks. The Lakers shot 42 percent from the field, 29 percent (7-24) from 3-point range, and 50 percent (7-14) from the free throw line.
Up next for Union will be the first of three straight road games next week as Union plays Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) in Hot Springs Monday at 5:30 p.m.
#UNION#
