Box Score

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball team suffered just their fourth loss in Gulf South Conference play in a 66-57 defeat to Shorter (Ga.) University. Union dropped to 17-7 on the season, but maintained their league best 12-4 conference record. Shorter improved to 15-10 on the season and 10-7 in league play.
 
Union led by as many as five points, 14-9 in the first half, but just could not put any distance between a very tough defense from Shorter. The Lady Hawks stayed close and took a 25-24 lead into the locker room.
 
In the second half, Shorter extended their lead out to six points, 34-28 with 16 minutes left. Union responded with a 16-3  run, taking their largest lead of the game, 44-37, with 10 minutes left.
 
But Shorter's defense clamped down on Union, holding the Lady Bulldogs to just 13 points the rest of the way. Shorter grabbed the lead for good 45-44 and pushed out to a 50-44 lead following a 13-0 run. After one of Kelsey Risner's six 3-pointers, Union had cut the deficit to three points, 59-56 with 1:22 left, but did not get any closer. Shorter was 5-of-6 from the free throw line down the stretch to help seal the win.
 
This was the second time  for Union to fall to Shorter this season after a 64-63 win by the Lady Hawks on a last second 3-ponter in Rome, Ga. back in January.
 
Risner led Union with 18- points and 16 rebounds. She was 6-of-12 from long range. All other Union shooters combined for just 5-of-22 from long range. Eleven of Union's 18 field goals in the game were 3-pointers. Amy Philamlee added 15 points for the Lady Bulldogs. Union shot 31 percent from the field, 32 percent (11-34) from long range, and 77 percent (10-13) from the free throw line.
 
Shorter was led by Karisma Boykin with 18 points. Iesha Alexander added 14 points, Maggie Peeples scored 11 points, and Shelby Farrer scored 10 points. The Lady Hawks shot 51 percent from the field, 40 percent (4-10) from long range, and 69 percent (22-32) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be their final home game of the year, Thursday, February 28 versus West Albama.
 
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