JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball team posted a 77-66 win over Valdosta State (Ga.) University Thursday at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union improved to 19-3 on the season and a league best 15-3 in the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State dropped to 11-13 overall and 7-11 in league play.
 
The win also was a major milestone victory for Union head coach Mark Campbell. Campbell earned his 500^th career coaching win in just his 569^th career game. Campbell, now in his 16^th season at Union, has spent his entire head coaching career with the Lady Bulldogs. He helped the program to four NAIA National Titles and one NCCAA National Title in the previous 15 years. Eleven times in his 15 years, including each of the last 10 seasons, Campbell has lead his team to a third place finish or better in the national tournament.
 
It was also a special night for senior guard Amy Philamlee as she posted a career high 36 points in the victory for Union. Ironically, she surpassed her previous career high of 35 points, which was scored at Valdosta State back in early January.
 
Philamlee opened the game with a long 3-pointer to get things started for Union. The first half was close most of the way with the teams swapping leads nine times. Valdosta led by as many as three points once, 25-22 with 5:26 left to play. But Union quickly responded with a 5-0 run, including another 3-pointer from Philamlee that put Union up 27-25. After a tie at 27-27, Union extended their lead to as many as eight points, 35-27, before leading 37-31 at the half. Philamlee led the way with 24 points in the first half.
 
Emily Sissom opened the second half with a quick 3-pointer to give Union their largest lead to this point in the game at 40-31. But as Union looking to be poised make their patented run and pull away, Valdosta State used physical play to hassle the Lady Bulldogs. Slowly the Blazers began to chip away at the Union lead and with 11:54 left, had regained a one point, 47-46 lead.
 
Union's DeAnna Thompson responded with a layup to put her team back on top. Following two more tie scores, Union took the lead for good 52-50 on a pair of Amber Rechis free throws. Union extended their lead down the stretch to as many as 12 points, 71-59, before taking the 77-76 final.
 
Philamlee's 36 points marked the fifth time this season for the senior to notch at least 30 points in a game, including two straight. She finished with eight assists to lead Union. Thompson added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Kelsey Risner posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. Union made Valdosta State pay for the physical play by sinking 32-of-34 free throws in the contest. Union shot 35 percent from the field and 38 percent (9-24) from 3-point range.  
 
Valdosta State was led by April Thomas with 16 points. Jo Bistrow scored 13 points and Jordan Waugh led with 11 rebounds. The Blazers shot 43 percent from the field, 32 percent (6-19) from long range and 67 percent (12-18) from the free throw line.
 
Up next for Union will be a battle for first place in the lead as West Florida comes to Fred DeLay Gymnasium Saturday at 2 p.m. Union leads UWF by just one game in the GSC standings with four games left in the regular season. West Florida defeated Union earlier this year. Listen to the game on 93.1 FM, watch on Eplus TV 6, or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
 
#UNION#