Box Score FLORENCE, Ala. – The Union University men's basketball team lost 100-58 at the University of North Alabama Tuesday night. Union dropped to 10-9 on the season and 6-7 in the Gulf South Conference. North Alabama improved to 12-8 on the season and 6-6 in league play.
This was the largest margin of defeat this season and the first time on the year to allow 100 points in a game.
Union's lone senior
AJ Roberts had his second straight strong performance with 22 points to lead Union. This followed his 27 points Saturday versus West Georgia. Roberts got Union off on the right foot with a basket to put the Bulldogs up 2-0 at the 18:52 mark.
However, North Alabama scored 10 straight points to lead 10-2. Union cut the deficit to three points at 10-7, and then trailed by five points 20-15 at the 9:33 mark. North Alabama quickly pushed the lead to double figures and never looked back. The Lions posted a 17-0 run hold their largest first half lead of 22 points, 37-15, with 3:48 to play in the half. North Alabama held one more 22-point lead before Union cut the halftime deficit to 18 points, 43-25.
In the second half, Union cut the deficit to 13 points, 46-33, at the 17:19 mark, but North Alabama quickly stopped the Union rally and put the game away. North Alabama had separate runs of 10-0 and 18-0 during final 15 minutes of the second half to run away with the win. The Lions led by 42 points three times, including the 100-58 final.
In addition to Roberts' 22 points,
Miguel Martinez was the only other Bulldog in double figures (10 points). Union shot 30 percent from the field, 18 percent (5-28) from long range, and 77 percent (13-17) from the free throw line.
North Alabama's Tyler Pritchard led four Lion players in double figures with 22 points. Rashaun Claiborne added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Calvin Dade scored 15 and Wes Long added 14 points. The Lions were impressive from the field, shooting 55 percent, while posting 46 percent (11-24) from 3-point range, and 66 percent (19-29) from the free throw line.
Up next for Union will be the second of four straight road games as Union travels to Lee (Tenn.) Saturday, February 8 at 3 p.m. central time.
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