VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Union University women's basketball team posted a 71-56 win at Valdosta State (Ga.) University Monday evening. Union improved to 10-2 on the season, and 6-2 in the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State dropped to 8-6 overall and 4-4 in league play.
 
Union senior guard Amy Philamlee led Union with a career-high 35 points in the win. Over the last two games, Philamlee has scored 65 points.
 
It was a strong second half that made the difference for Union, erasing a four point halftime deficit and outscoring the home Blazers 50-31 in the second half. Union shot 62 percent from the field in the second half, including 50 percent (5-10) from long range. Union put three players in double figures in the second half alone, including Philamlee (21), DeAnna Thompson (10), and Kelsey Risner (10)
 
Philamlee opened the game with a 3-pointer to give Union an early lead. The teams went back-and-forth throughout the first half, producing seven lead changes in the first 20 minutes of play. Valdosta State held a 25-21 lead after a low-scoring first half.
 
In the second half, Valdosta State pushed out to their largest lead of the game, 32-25 at the 17:20 mark. Union then responded with a 7-0 run to regain the lead, 34-32, with 15:10 left. After a brief tie at 34-34, Union took the lead for good with a free throw from Philamlee, followed by a 3-pointer from Risner. Union maintained a single-digit lead, going up by nine points a twice over the next 13 minutes of play.
 
However, with 3:01 left in the game, Valdosta State had cut their deficit to just four points, 59-55. But Union quickly took control on a layup from Thompson. Thompson's layup started a 10-0 run for Union and the Lady Bulldogs closed out the final three minutes of the game, outscoring Valdosta State 14-1 to earn the win.
 
Philamlee's 35 points was the fourth time the senior has hit 30-plus points in her career. She hit four 3-pointers and added eight assists in the game to lead Union. Risner finished with 13 points with seven rebounds and three 3-pointers. DeAnna Thompson added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Union shot 46 percent from the field, 33 percent (8-24) from behind the arc, and 64 percent (9-14) from the free throw line.
 
Valdosta State was led by April Thomas with 17 points. Maggie Davis led with 11 rebounds and added nine points. The Blazers shot 37 percent from the field, 27 percent (6-22) from long range, and 63 percent (10-16) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be their first home game of the new year, Saturday, January 10 versus Alabama Huntsville at 2 p.m. The game can be heard on 93.1, seen on JEA Eplus TV 6, or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
 
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