CARROLLTON, Ga.- The Union University women's basketball team clinched their spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament with a 68-52 win at the University of West Georgia Thursday night. The Lady Bulldogs improved to 13-3 in conference play and 17-3 overall to stay in first place. West Georgia fell to 8-8 in conference and 13-9 overall.
 
In what was supposed to be a high scoring match up between the top two scorers in the Gulf South Conference with Amy Philamlee and Taylor Beverly of West Georgia, neither player was able to hit double digits in scoring in the first half. Instead the half featured low scoring totals and a close game until the final two minutes of the half. Union was not able to get their first double digit lead until 1:56 left, but went on to go into the locker room up 14 points, 36-22.
 
In addition to Philamlee's seven points in the first half, she reached a major milestone in her career earning her 500^th career assist with 8:12 left in the first half on a 3-pointer from Amber Rechis. She finished with seven assists in the game.
 
Union took their 14-point half time lead and did not look back. The Lady Bulldogs did not allow West Georgia to get back within 10 points of the lead for the rest of the game.
 
Philamlee also hit her stride in the second half to lead Union with 21 points and eight rebounds. Deanna Thompson added 13 points and eight rebounds while Amber Rechis had 11 points and seven rebounds. The Lady Bulldogs shot 44.2% from the field and 32.1% from behind the arc.
 
West Georgia's Beverly ended the night with 17 points and eight boards.
 
The last of four straight road games for Union will be Saturday, February 7^th, at West Alabama at 2:00 p.m. Union then returns to Jackson for two home conference games against Valdosta State and West Florida next weekend. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
 
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