JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball team posted a 74-65 win over Shorter (Ga.) University Saturday afternoon at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union improved to 15-2 on the season and 11-2 in the Gulf South Conference. Shorter dropped to 8-11 overall and 4-9 in league play.
 
Union's win, coupled with West Florida's loss at Alabama Huntsville puts Union in sole possession of first place in the GSC standings with nine games left in the regular season.
 
With 9:49 left in the game, Shorter held a seven point lead, 52-45, over Union. Shorter built the lead as both of Union's top scorers, Amy Philamlee and DeAnna Thompson, were on the bench with four fouls each. The Lady Bulldogs ran off a 9-1 run to regain the lead 54-53 with 6:45 left to play. The run was capped with back-to-back 3-pointers from Jaclissa Haislip and Emily Sissom.
 
Shorter regained the lead momentarily, 56-55 with 5:38 left to play. But Union continued to make shots. A second 3-pointer from Hailslip put Union up for good 58-56. Amber Rechis followed with another 3-pointer, then Haislip added her third of the game. Haislip scored all 10 of her points in the second half.
 
Philamlee had 23 points when she picked up her fourth foul with 14 minutes left in the game. She returned with eight minutes left, and had 11 more points to lead Union, including eight points in the final 1:19 of the game to seal the win.
 
Over the final almost 10 minutes of the game, Union outscored Shorter 29-13 to erase their seven point deficit.
 
Union trailed by as many as nine points in the first half, 19-10 early. But a 9-0 run for Union quickly erased that deficit. A 3-point player from Kelsey Risner, and 3-pointers from Philmalee and Sissom made up that 9-0 run. Union however, found themselves down 31-30 at the break.
 
Union was led by Philamlee with 34 points, just missing her career high of 35 points she scored at Valdosta State. Philamlee added eight assists and was 11-of-16  from the field including three 3-pointers. Sissom added 10 points including three 3-pointers, and now has made at least two 3-pointers in each of the last five games. Haislip scored 10 points, her highest output since joining Union in late December. Haislip also led Union with eight rebounds. The Lady Bulldogs shot 49 percent from the field, including 58 percent in the second half. Union shot 43 percent (12-28) from long range, and 74 percent (14-19) from the free throw line.
 
Shorter was led by Ieshia Alexander with 24 points. Cynara Pitt added 13 point, Lindsey Crawford scored 12 points, while Shaundricka Mann led with a game-high 13 rebounds. The Hawks shot 38 percent from the field, 35 percent (6-17) from 3-point range, and 59 percent (13-22) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be the first of four straight road games, when Union travels to Delta State, Thursday, January 29 for a 5:30 start time. The game can be heard on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
 
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