PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Union University men's basketball team posted an 82-79 win at the University of West Florida Saturday afternoon. Union improved to 11-2 on the season and 5-2 in the Gulf South Conference. West Florida dropped to 5-8 overall and 1-6 in league play.
 
With the win, Union moved into sole possession of first place in the Gulf South Conference standings.
 
After a quick basket from West Florida to open the game, Union's Marterrace Brock sank a 3-pointer to give Union a 3-2 lead. However, West Florida controlled most of the first half, leading for most of the half. The Argos led by as many as 10 points twice, including 21-11 at the 10:52 mark. Union slowly cut into the deficit and with 2:47 left in the half, tied the game at 31-31. Union took a 36-34 lead into the locker room.
 
In the second half, Union took control and never trailed again. Union extended their lead to as many as 11 points twice, including 66-55 with 7:52 left.
 
But much like Union did in the first half, West Florida rallied in the second half to make things close in the end. A pair of 3-pointers in the final minute of play cut Union's lead down to just 1 point, 78-77 with 18 seconds left. But Union drained 4-of-4 free throws in the final 16 seconds to seal the win. An offensive put back at the buzzer for West Florida set the final at 82-79.
                            
Union's Corieon Pearson led five Union players in double figures with 21 points. Brock and Ashanti Day both scored 16 points. Day scored all 16 of his points in the second half, including 8-of-9 from the free throw line. Pedro Faller added 14 points including three 3-pointers and Eric Leisey added 10 points. Union shot 46 percent from the field, 35 percent (9-26) from 3-point range, and 63 percent (17-27) from the free throw line.
 
West Florida also had five players in double figures, led by Terrence Townes with 18 points. Erin Straughn added 16 points, Jason Laatsch scored 13 points, Lendward Griffin added 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Tyler Funk scored 10 points. The Argos shot 44 percent from the field, 28 percent (5-18) from long range, and 55 percent (6-11) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be the second game on this two-game road trip at Valdosta State (Ga.) Monday, January 5 at 7:00 p.m. central time. The game can be heard live on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
 
#UNION#