ROME, Ga. – The Union University men's basketball team posted a 91-85 win at Shorter (Ga.) University in the Gulf South Conference opener for both teams Thursday night. Union improved to 7-0 on the season, while Shorter dropped to 5-2 overall.
 
In the win, Union head coach David Niven earned his 100^th win as head coach of the Bulldogs. Niven, in his sixth season with Union, is now 100-63 (.613).
 
Union junior Marterrace Brock scored a game-high 30 points, including 17 in the second half, to lead the Bulldogs against a tough Shorter team. The game was played extremely close with Union holding a single digit lead for most of the game. Shorter led briefly in the first half for only one possession. Union's first and only double-digit lead was 10 points in the final minutes. Both teams produced almost even stats across the board, with the only major difference being Union's +11-rebound edge.
 
Union stormed out of the gate to lead 7-0 including a game-opening 3-pointer from Brock. Shorter responded to keep the game close. That seven point lead for Union to start the game was the biggest of the first half for Union. Shorter tied the game at 26-26 with 8:45 left in the half. Union answered to back up by as many as six points a two occasions. Shorter took a brief lead 36-34 with 3:22 left in the half, before Union quickly regained control. The Bulldogs took a 42-38 lead into the locker room.
 
In the second half, Union stretched their lead to eight points, 50-42, with 16:26 left to play. Shorter again rallied to cut into the deficit, trailing just 58-57 with 11:26 left. Union regained the lead that ranged from one to five points until Shorter tied the game at 72-72 and again 74-74. However, Union kept Shorter from taking a lead for the entire second half. The Bulldogs posted an 11-1 run to go up 85-75. Union was 10-for-10 from the free throw line in the final 1:26 to seal the win. A last possession 3-pointer by Shorter set the final 91-85.
 
Brock's career-high 30 points included 4-of-7 from long range and 10-of-12 shooting from the free throw line. Ashanti Day posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Corieon Pearson scored 15 points and had seven assists. Union shot 47 percent from the field, 30 percent (7-23) from 3-point range, and 89 percent (24-27) from the free throw line.
 
Union outrebounded Shorter 41 to 30, including 14-9 offensively. Turnovers were few for both teams with Union having eight, Shorter with seven. Points in the paint were also even, with Shorted edging Union 36-34. Union got a boost from their bench, outscoring Shorter 30-16 in that category.
 
Shorter put four guys in double figures led by Dedric Ware with 22 points. Travis Jones scored 18, Kordario Fleming added 16 points, and Chris Daniels scored 13 points. The Hawks shot 48 percent from the field, 38 percent (6-16) from long range, and 70 percent (19-27) from the free throw line.
 
Union continues their conference opening road trip with a game Saturday at Lee at 3:00 p.m. The game can be heard live on WWGM 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com.
 
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