JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team lost 75-74 at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Saturday evening. Union dropped to 18-9 on the season and 12-9 in the Gulf South Conference. Alabama Huntsville improved to 20-7 overall and a league best 15-6. 

Union and Alabama Huntsville played it close for the entire game. Then Union was able to build a nine point lead, 72-63, following a 3-pointer from Marterrace Brock with just 3:35 left in the game. But that was the final field goal made in the game for Union. Huntsville outscored Union 12-2 in the final three-plus minutes to set up the dramatic finish. Included in that stretch was a 3-pointer from Greg Garnder, a 3-pt play from Gardner and a 3-pt play from Troy Saxton. Saxton's layup and free throw put his team up 75-74 with 17 seconds left. 

Union had one final shot at the win, but a Roy Bullock 3-pointer was just off the mark. Brock tipped in the offensive rebound at the buzzer, but was waved off. 

Union started the game hot, jumping out to a 12-5 lead. Corieon Pearson scored nine of Union's first 12 points. He finished with 30 points in the game. The home Chargers responded and led by as many as four points late in the first half. Union was down 36-33 at the break. 

In the second half, Union came out hot again. Pearson scored five straight points to start the half. That sparked a 7-0 run for Union to start the half. The two teams then began to swap three pointers. Both teams combined for six 3-pointers in a span of seven possessions over three minutes of play. Huntsville led by as many as four points in the second half, but Union responded to gain their nine point advanced late. However, Union committed four turnovers in the final three minutes to allow the Chargers a chance at the dramatic win. 

Union was led by Pearson's 30 points including 6-of-11 shooting from long range. Jordan Montgomery added 11 points including three 3-pointers. Felipe Rocha scored 10 points. Brock added ine points and 11 rebounds. Union shot 48 percent from the field, 52 percent (16-31) from long range and 60 percent (6-10) from the free throw line. 

Alabama Huntsville was led by Ronnie Mack with 20 points including five 3-pointers. Gardner added 16 points, while Saxton added 10 points. Justin Ward led with 11 boards, while Preston Herring added 10 rebounds. The Chargers shot 36 percent from the field, 38 percent (11-29) from 3-point range and 84 percent (16-19) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union will be their final regular season game Thursday, February 26 at Christian Brothers. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live. 

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