Box Score

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball team posted a 69-51 win over Valdosta State (Ga.) University in their first game as a member of the Gulf South Conference. Union improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in league play. Valdosta State, who is receiving votes in the NCAA DII polls, dropped their first game of the year (4-1, 0-1 GSC).
                   
For Union, this was their fourth game of the year in six total games that have been played against teams either ranked or receiving votes in the NCAA DII polls. Union is 2-2 in those games.
 
Union led by six points early, but at the 8:12 mark of the first half, the game was tied at 18-18. Union then caught fire from long range, making three 3-pointers over the next five possessions. Union outscored Valdosta State 21-6 over the final eight minutes of the first half. Union was 8-of-18 from long range in the first half.
 
Valdosta State came out in the second half with a 6-0 run to cut Union's lead to single digits. However, Union answered to go up by 17 points, 49-32 at the 11:16 mark.
 
The Blazers had one more run in them, this time an 8-0 run cut Union's lead back down to nine points with just over nine minutes to play.
 
But Union was too strong from 3-point range. LaTesa McLaughlin stopped the 8-0 run with a 3-pointer and Union pushed their lead out to as many as 24 points, 69-45, with 2:07 left. Union was able to play everyone in the game as the Lady Bulldogs claimed the 69-51 win.
 
Union was led by Astrid Huttemann with a career-high 19 points, including three 3-pointers. Rebecca Sharpe added 11 points with three 3-pointers. McLaughlin added three 3-pointers for nine points and Rebecca Sharpe added two from long range. Shelby Ashcraft added a solid game with a game-high 12 rebounds and nine points. Union shot 39 percent from the field, 39 percent (13-33) from behind the arc, and 71 percent (12-17) from the free throw line.
 
Valdosta State was led by Kourtnee Williams with 14 points, including four 3-pointers. Kamyla Smith added nine points. The Blazers shot 35 percent from the field, 29 percent (8-28) from behind the arc, and 63 percent (5-8) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be another home conference game Saturday, December 1 at 2:00 p.m. versus West Florida.
 
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