JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball team fell to Valdosta State, 61-57, Saturday afternoon for their second Gulf South Conference defeat of the season.
 
GAME DETAILS
Final: Valdosta State 61 | Union 57
Records: Union 6-3, 2-2 | Valdosta State 5-4, 2-1
Location: Fred DeLay Gymnasium – Jackson, Tenn.
Series: Union leads 8-2
Social: @UUAthletics  |  #WeAreUU  |  UUAthletics.com
 
WHAT HAPPENED

• Union fell behind in the opening minutes of action as the Blazers pulled to an 11-7 lead halfway through the first quarter. The Lady Bulldogs stayed within striking distance for the remainder of the quarter only down two at the buzzer.
• Both teams struggled to score in the second period of action scoring a combined 15 points in the quarter with Union going into the halftime break only down by one point. 25-26.
• The Lady Bulldogs gained their first lead since the opening minutes of the game with 5:44 in the third quarter when Chelsea Bodiford knocked down a contested three with only three seconds on the shot clock, putting Union up 34-33.
• Union had their first run of the game in the closing seconds of the third rattling off seven straight points to end the quarter and go up 43-40. Union  kept that momentum headed into the opening minutes of the fourth with back-to-back threes from Bodiford and Jada Smith to keep a four point advantage.
• After trading blows, Valdosta State ran off six straight points to take the lead with one minute remaining in regulation to take a 56-55 lead. With just ten seconds remaining, the Lady Blazers knocked down two free throws to push that lead to 60-57. The Lady Bulldogs had two chances in the final seconds to tie the game, but missed the mark to fall 61-57.

 
STAT OF THE GAME

• The Lady Bulldogs struggled with foul trouble throughout the contest committing 22 personal fouls in the matchup, while Valdosta State only racked up 13 offenses.

 
TEAM STATS

• Union shot 33 percent in the contest while going 6-for-20 in three pointers. The Lady Bulldogs were perfect at the free throw line hitting 11-of-11 shots.
• Union pulled down 34 rebounds in the game, however Valdosta State grabbed 43 shots off the glass.
• The Lady Bulldogs had less turnovers than the Lady Blazers only coughing the ball up 12 times, as opposed to 14 times for the opponents. 

PLAYER STATS

• Sara Lytle led the Lady Bulldogs with 17 in the effort, while Chelsea Bodiford added 16 with four baskets from behind the arc.
• Fredi Nielsen led the Lady Bulldogs in rebounds grabbing eight boards.
• Aaliyah Cheatham led the way for Valdosta State scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bulldogs will now take an 11 day break for the Christmas Holiday with their next test coming from non-conference opponent Rust College on Friday, December 28th, at 7:00 p.m. in Jackson.