HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- The Union University men's basketball team earned a thrilling overtime victory by taking down Stillman (Ala.) College (1-1) by one point, 79-78, and start the season 4-0 for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
 
Stillman came out in the first half ready to play and was able to lead the game only allowing Union to lead twice, which came within the first four minutes of the half. Stillan led by as many as 12 points, 29-17 with 6:16 to play in the first half. But Union rallied to cut into the deficit to trail by just four at the break, 33-29.
 
The game remained in Stillman's control until Marterrace Brock hit a 3-pointer to put Union up by three with 10:55 left in regulation. For the rest of the second half both teams kept the game close, forcing six lead changes in the final 10 minutes of play.
 
With only 1:36 remaining and Union trailing by five, Pedro Faller hit a 3-pointer to pull within striking distance of Stillman. After a layup from Corieon Pearson and another 3-pointer courtesy of Jordan Montgomery, the Bulldogs found themselves within one point of Stillman, 69-68, and only 23 seconds left on the clock. Montgomery was then fouled with :06 on the clock where he hit a free throw to tie the game up and ultimately send the game to overtime tied at 69-69.
 
In the first minute of the overtime period, Stillman was able to mount a four point lead over Union and take control of the momentum. Union kept the score close until Pearson hit the game-winning 3-pointer with only :20 left on the clock. A defensive stop on the other end gave Union the 79-78 win.
 
Union shot 41.5% from the field and only 29.0% from behind the 3-point line on the day, but out-rebounded Stillman 36-33. The Bulldogs were lead by Corieon Pearson who earned his third 20-plus point game by scoring 24 points. Ashanti Day earned the first double-double for the Bulldogs with 11 points and 15 rebounds, while Jordan Montgomery had 15 points and Marterrace Brock who had 10.
 
Union will continue their play in the Alabama-Huntsville Classic on Sunday, November 23, when they take on Benedict College at 2:00 p.m.
 
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