FLORENCE, Ala. - The Union University women's basketball team posted an 88-64 win at the University of North Alabama Monday night. Union improved to 12-2 on the season and 8-2 in the Gulf South Conference. North Alabama dropped to 8-5 overall and 5-4 in league play.

Union came out on fire in the first half, shooting 71 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes. Union sank 22-of-31 field goals in the first half, including 50 percent (6-of-12) from 3-point range. Union was also 1-of-1 from the free throw line.

The Union record for field goal percentage in a half was 84 percent in a game back in 2009.

Union scored the first five points on their way to a 15-3 lead after five minutes of play. Union led by 20 points, 31-11 after 10 minutes of play, pushed their lead to as many as 26 points in the first half, 51-25. Union led 51-27 at the half.

Senior guard Amber Rechis led the way for Union with 15 first half points, including 3-of-3 shooting from long range.

In the second half, Union quickly pushed their lead up to 29 points, 56-27, with 18:37 left following a 3-pointer from Kelsy Risner. It was the largest lead of the game. However, North Alabama cut the deficit down to 20 points, 62-42, with 13:24 left in the half.

Union responded and pushed the lead back to 27 points, 74-47 with 8:13 left in the game. North Alabama cut the Union lead back down to 20 points a couple times late, but never got and closer. Union cruised to the 88-64 win.

The win for Union was key as the Lady Bulldogs moved into a tie for first place after West Florida lost to West Georgia earlier in the evening. Both Union and West Florida are now 8-2 in the Gulf South Standings.

Union was led by Amy Philamlee with 23 points including 10-of-14 from the field. She earned a double-double with 11 assists. Amber Rechis added 20 points and was perfect from the field, 8-of-8 from the field, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range. DeAnna Thompson recorded her ninth double-double of the year with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Kelsey Risner added 11 points and nine rebounds. Union shot 60 percent from the field, 42 percent (10-24) from long range, and 89 percent (8-9) from the free throw line.

North Alabama was led by Corinne White with 14 points. KeKe Gunter added 12 points and Jennifer Towne scored 10 points. The Lions shot 40 percent from the field, 44 percent (10-23) from 3-point range, and 67 percent (8-12) from the free throw line.

Up next for Union will be the first of three straight home games, Thursday, January 15 versus Christian Brothers at 6 p.m. The game can be heard on 93.1 FM, seen on Eplus TV 6, or online as www.uuathletics.com/live.

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