JACKSON, Tenn – The Union University Lady Bulldogs dropped their first home game of 2016 Saturday when the University of West Florida defeated No. 14 Union 75-67. The Lady Bulldogs fell to 11-2 on the season and 5-2 in the Gulf South Conference. The Argonauts improved to 7-4 on the season and 5-2 in the GSC.

Union started the game on top 2-0 with a layup by Jada Perkins. It was the only lead of the game for Union as West Florida ran off 18 straight points to lead 18-2. The Lady Bulldogs went six minutes without scoring. With three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Jada Smith made a three pointer to bring Union within 11 points of the Argonauts. On the Lady Bulldogs next possession, Kelsey Risner made a three point basket to bring the score within eight points, 20-12. However, Union ended the first quarter down 28-12.

West Florida came out strong in the second quarter, scoring first to make their lead 30-12. Union started to slowly get back in the game, getting to within nine points late in the half. But the Argonauts went into half time up 43-30. 

The Lady Bulldogs were down 17 points with 6:48 left in the third quarter, but rallied to get within 10 points by the end of the quarter.

The Lady Bulldogs found some traction in the fourth quarter. Perkins made two free-throws off an early foul by the Argonauts. West Florida answered with a jumper by Toni Brewer that brought their lead to 61-51. On the next possession, Union's Risner was able to bring the Lady Bulldogs within seven points of West Florida. Down by seven points, Bethany Lytle scored four points on a pair of jump shots that brought Union within three points making the score 65-62. With 2:10 remaining in the game, Chelsea Bodiford hit a layop to get Union to within one point, 65-64. But West Florida answered again with a big 3-pointer from Alex Coyne with 1:04 remaining that put the Argonauts lead back up to 69-65. West Florida made their free throws late to top Union 75-67.

Tiara Caldwell led Union with 16 points. Caldwell and Risner tied with eight rebounds. The Lady Bulldogs shot 73.3% (11-15) from the free throw line, 36.4% (8-22) from the 3-point line, and 36.9% from the field.

The Argonauts were led by Katie Bobos with 18 points. Courtney Meyer added 12 rebounds to help West Florida to the win. The Argonauts shot 43.8% from the field, 26.3% (5-19) from the three point line, and 66.7% (14-21) from the free throw line.

Union has now lost their first game back from Christmas break for the fourth straight season. Last season, it was West Florida taking down Union in Pensacola, Fla. in early January 78-61. Union has gone on to finsh first in the GSC two of the last three years.

Union will host Valdosta State University January 4 starting at 6 p.m. Listed on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live. 

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