Box Score

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball team posted a 65-61 win over the University of West Georgia Saturday afternoon at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union improved to 12-5 on the season and 7-2 in the Gulf South Conference. West Georgia dropped to 11-6 overall and 5-4 in league play.
 
The completion of this game marks the halfway point of the Gulf South Conference schedule. After the first run through their new league, Union sits at the top of the standings with a 7-2 record.
 
After a back-and-forth first six minutes of the game, Union broke an 8-8 tie with a layup from Christina Coney. Union never trailed again and extended their lead to as many as 11 points in the first half, 23-12. Union took a 30-20 lead into the locker room.
 
In the second half, Union continued to stretch their lead and with 9:57 left, the Lady Bulldogs held their largest lead of 17 points, 54-37. West Georgia wasn't finished as they slowly began to cut into the lead, getting to within six points, 61-55, with 42 seconds left. However, Union hit 3-of-4 free throws over the next two possessions to push their lead up to nine points with 22 seconds left. West Georgia converted a 3-point play and then hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds to set the final at 65-61.
 
Union was led by freshman center Carly Daniel with 19 points off the bench. She added seven rebounds in the game as she saw increased playing time in the absence of injured starting post player Shelby Ashcraft. Amber Rechis added 14 point including three 3-pointers. Latesa McLaughlin scored 13 points with three 3-pointers and six assists. Amy Philamlee had seven points, a team-high eight rebounds, and five assists. Union shot 42 percent from the field, 36 percent (8-22) from long range, and 71 percent (15-21) from the free throw line.
 
West Georgia was led by JaDechia Hill with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. Brittany Johnson added 15 points and Mone Peoples  scored 10 points. The Wolves shot 30 percent from the field, 14 percent (3-22) from behind the arc, and 69 percent (18-26) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be an extended road trip as the Lady Bulldogs will play at Valdosta State (Ga.) Thursday, January 31 and then travel over to play at West Florida Saturday, February 2.
 
#UNION#