HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Union University men's basketball defeated Benedict (S.C.) College 76-68 in their final game of the Alabama Huntsville Classic. Union improved to 5-0 on the season, while Benedict dropped to 0-3.

The 5-0 start for Union is the best since a 6-0 start back in 2003-04.

Union scored first on layup from Jordan Montgomery. It was the first two of his 22 first half points. Benedict scored back-to-back buckets to lead 4-2, their only lead of the game.

Union, led by Mongomery's big first half, took control of the game. Union led by as many as 21 points in the first half, 43-22, before taking the 43-23 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, Union pushed their lead up to as many as 27 points, 59-32 with 11:33 left in the game. Union led by 26 points, 61-35 with 10:57 left. But then Union went cold.

Benedict mounted a rally and over the next seven minutes, Benedict outscored Union 23-3. A lone 3-pointer at the 8:53 mark was the only points for Union during that seven minute drought. It was a 3-pointer from Ashanti Day, his only field goal of the game.

Union Senior guard Corieon Pearson was finally able to get the Bulldogs back in action and stop the Benedict run. Pearson scored eight straight points and helped the Bulldogs push their lead back to 14 points, 75-61. The Bulldogs made just 9-of-18 free throws in the second half.

Montgomery led Union with 29 points in the game including a late free throw to help stop the Benedict run. Pearson ended with 17 points, 10 in the second half, eight in the last three minutes of the game. Marterrace Brock scored 13 points, while Day led with a game high 14 rebounds. Union shot 42 percent from the field, including 52 percent in the first half. The Bulldog shot 46 percent (10-22) from long range, and made just 56 percent (14-25) from the free throw line.

The rebounds were equal at 41 each. Benedict committed 17 turnovers to 15 from Union. However, Benedict took advantage of the Union turnovers, outscoring the Bulldogs 23-12 in points off turnovers. Benedict also dominate bench scoring, leading Union 31-16 in that category.

Benedict was led by Brennan Reynard with 15 points. Andrew Crawford scored 12, and Deonte Johnson added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Benedict shot 40 percent from the field, 33 percent (5-15) from 3-point range, and 70 percent (19-27) from the free throw line.

Up next for Union will be a home contest Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m. versus Truett-McConnell (Ga.). It will be the final non-conference regular season game of the year for Union.

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