Box Score

BLUEFIELD, Va. – The Union University women's basketball captured the 2013 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) MidEast Region crown with an 83-67 win over Bluefield College. Union improved to 20-8 on the season, while Bluefield ends their season at 16-15.
 
The win gives Union an automatic bid to next week's NCCAA National Tournament, hosted by Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind. March 13-16.
 
A day after Union tied a school record with 19 made 3-pointers in the semifinal win, the Lady Bulldogs continued their hot shooting in the first 20 minutes. Union led 47-35 at the half, shooting 67 percent from the field and 58 percent (7-12) from long range.
 
Bluefield scored first, but Union quickly answered and took the lead for good 6-4. By the 12 minute mark of the first half, Union had extended their lead to double figures 23-11 following a three pointer from Amy Philamlee. Union led by as many as 14 points in the half, before taking a 12 point advantage into the locker room.
 
In the second half, Union maintained a double digit for the majority of the half. Bluefield got as close as eight points a few times. Union led by as many as 18 points late in the game, 83-65, before winning 83-67.
 
Union was able to get major contributions from the post position on the floor. Union got 27 points and 10 rebounds combined from Christina Coney (10), Mildred Olumasi (9), and Shelby Ashcraft (8). Ashcraft is in her second game back after missing 11 games due to injury. Olumasi is in fourth game after being added late in the season.
 
Union was led by sophomore guard Philamlee with a game highs of 23 points and nine rebounds. LaTesa McLaughlin added 14 points, Kelsey Risner scored 11 points and Coney scored 10 points. McLaughlin dished out a game high seven assists. Union shot 59 percent from the field, 33 percent (8-24) from long range, and 68 percent (13-19) from the free throw line.
 
Bluefield was led by Janee Simmons with 16 points. Teqa McNeal added 15 points, Ashley White scored 13 points, and Monique Robson scored 11 points. Simmons hit six 3-pointers in the loss, while the team's leading scorer, White, was held to just three of her 13 points in the second half. The Lady Rams shot 46 percent from the field, 64 percent (7-11) from 3-point range, and 64 percent (14-22) from the free throw line.
 
Following the game, Union was given numerous awards, including being presented with the championship banner. Philamlee was named the 2013 NCCAA MidEast Region Co-Player of the Year with McNeal of Bluefield. Philamlee was named to the all-region first team, while McLaughlin and Rechis were named to the all-region second team. Union head coach Mark Campbell was named the 2013 NCCAA MidEast Region Coach of the Year.
 
#UNION#