JACKSON, Tenn.- The Union University women's basketball team took down Rust (Miss.) College 86-66 Tuesday to win their opening game of the 2014-15 season. Rust fell to 1-2 on the year.
 
Union struggled out of the gate and found themselves down 20-14 with 8:17 left in the first half. DeAnna Thompson led Union with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the first half to help Union rally for a 34-29 halftime lead.
 
The Lady Bulldogs only shot 32 percent from the field and only 25 percent in 3-pointers in the first half.
 
The Lady Bulldogs still struggled to start the second half, allowing Rust to regain the lead 40-39 with 16:03 left in the game. It was the last lead of the game for Rust. 
 
After taking the lead for the final time, Union started making shots. Union poured in 52 second half points, making 9-of-21 three pointers in the final 20 minutes to pull away.
 
Leading Union was junior guard Kelsey Risner who earned a double-double leading the Lady Bulldogs with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Risner also hit seven 3-pointers and had three steals. Amy Philamlee was second for Union in scoring with 19 points and lead in the assists category with seven. Risner and Philamlee combined for 30 of Union 52 second half points. Thompson finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Amber Rechis added 13 points. For the game, Union shot 41 percent from the field, 33 percent (15-45) from long range, and 70 percent (19-27) from the free throw line. Union 45 three pointers attempted was good for third all-time in Union's history. The record was 47 attempts was set last season.
 
Rust was led by Kala Williams with 21 points. LaTonya Gadison added 13 and Demetrius Bradshaw scored 12. The Bearcats shot 46 percent from the field, seven percent (1-14) from long range, and 60 percent (15-25) from the free throw line.
 
Next up for Union will be another home non-conference game against Tennessee Temple, Saturday, November 22^nd, at 2:00 p.m.
 
#UNION#