PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Union University women's basketball team lost for just the second time this season with a 78-61 defeat at the University of West Florida. Union dropped to 9-2 on the season and 5-2 in the Gulf South Conference. West Florida improved to 9-2 overall and 6-1 in league play.
 
With the win, West Florida took sole possession of first place in the league standings. For Union, this marked the third straight year that the Lady Bulldogs have lost the first game in January following the Christmas break.
 
Union scored first on a pair of free throws from Kelsey Risner. However, the Lady Bulldogs were cold from the field most of the game, not hitting their first field goal until a layup from Jaclissa Haislip at the 12:51 mark of the first half. West Florida scored 13 straight points to lead 13-2 at the time of Union's first basket. Union got as close at three points twice in the first half, but trailed 37-27 at the half.
 
In the second half, Union scored first to cut the deficit to eight points. However, that was the only time for the remainder of the game that the deficit was in single digits. West Florida continued to shut down the conference leading offense. The Argos led by as many as 19 points, 62-43, with 6:02 left in the game.
 
Union shot just 30 percent from the field, including just 22 percent (5-23) from long range. Entering the game, Union led the conference with 84 points per game. West Florida shot 42 percent including 60 percent (6-10) from long range. Entering the game, West Florida was averaging less that two made 3-pointers per game and just 62 points per game.
 
Union senior guard Amy Philamlee led all scorers with 31 points in the game, improving her GSC leadings points per game average. Risner added 12 points as the only other player in double figures. Union was 20-of-23 (87%) from the free throw line.
 
West Florida was led by Jasmine Wigfall with 20 points. Kelly Preston added 13 points, Toni Brewer scored 10 points, and Katie Bobos grabbed 13 rebounds.
 
Up next for Union will be the second game of this two-game road trip at Valdosta State (Ga.) Monday, January 5 at 5 p.m. central time.
 
#UNION#