Box Score

FLORENCE, Ala. – The Union University men's basketball team fell 80-63 at the University of North Alabama Saturday at Flowers Hall. Union dropped to 3-10 on the season and 1-4 in the Gulf South Conference. North Alabama, who is receiving votes in the latest NCAA DII rankings, improved to 11-2 overall and 4-1 in league play.
 
Union played the Lions close over the first half of play, taking a couple of early leads. North Alabama took the lead for good at 9-6 following a 3-pointer from Jere Vucica. Union kept the Lions close until North Alabama began to pull away and led by 10 at the break, 30-20.
 
In the second half, Union cut the deficit to six points at 33-27. However, North Alabama took over as they outscored Union 35-20 over the first 11 minutes of the second half. North Alabama led by as many as 25 points four different times in the second half with the last time coming 76-51 with three minutes left. Union outscored North Alabama 12-4 over the final three minutes to set the final scored at 80-63.
 
Union was led by Anthony Freeman with 21 points, while Roy Bullock added 15 points. Eric Leisey grabbed a career high 11 rebounds. AJ Roberts scored nine points in his return after missing the last eight games due to injury. Union shot 35 percent from the field, 16 percent (5-32) from long range, and 55 percent (6-11) from the free throw line.
 
North Alabama was led by DeAndre Hersey with 18 points. Wes Long added 11 points and Corey Ricks scored 10 points. Keynan Jackson dished out a game-high eight assists. The Lions shot 48 percent from the field, 47 percent (8-17) from behind the arc, and 71 percent (12-17) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be a home conference match Thursday, January 17 versus Alabama-Huntsville. Alabama-Huntsville is ranked No. 3 in the NCAA DII rankings.
 
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