JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University men's basketball team posted a 71-62 win over the University of West Alabama Thursday night at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union improved to 9-2 on the season and 3-2 in the Gulf South Conference. West Alabama dropped to 6-6 overall and 2-3 in league play.
 
Union and West Alabama played a very close first half, with Union holding the lead for all but one possession. Union led by as many as seven points once, before taking a 32-27 lead into halftime.
 
West Alabama led just once in the game, a 9-8 lead with 15:13 to go in the first half.
 
In the second half, Union stretched their lead to double figures quickly, leading 45-31 after four minutes of play. Union held their largest lead of the game, 57-40, with 8:49 left to play. However, West Alabama fought back, cutting Union's lead down to just six points, 68-62 with 28 second left. But Union held off the Tigers by sinking 5-of-6 free throws in the final 35 seconds to win 71-62.
 
Union controlled most of the game, despite being outrebounded 49-30. West Alabama dominated the offensive glass, getting 22 offensive rebounds to just two for Union. In doing so, West Alabama outscored Union 17-2 in second chance points. However, Union led 36-24 in points in the paint and 13-8 in points off turnovers. Union committed just seven turnovers, to 13 for West Alabama.
 
Union was led by Marterrace Brock with a game-high 21 points, including 13 in the second half. Corieon Pearson added 16 points, while Ashanti Day and Roy Bullock added 10 points each. Union shot 49 percent from the field, 28 percent (5-18) from long range, and 80 percent (12-15) form the free throw line.
 
West Alabama was led by Justin Wright with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jarell Byrd scored 14 points, while Khalil Carter and Charles Eaton added 10 points. Lleon Tillman grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds. The Tigers shot just 28 percent from the field, 23 percent (5-22) form 3-point range, and 83 percent (19-23) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be the final game of a four-game home stretch, Saturday at 4 p.m. versus West Georgia. It will also be the final game for Union before the Christmas Break. The game can be heard live on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
 
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