MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team posted a 66-58 win at LeMoyne-Owen College in the final game of the 2017 GSC/SIAC Crossover Classic. Union improved to 2-0 on the season, while LeMoyne-Owen dropped to 1-1.
The win for the Bulldogs gave Union head coach
David Niven his 150th career win. In his ninth season as head coach, Niven is 150-100. He has spent the last 21 years with the men's basketball program, serving as assistant coach prior to being named head coach.
Union's
Nick Velasquez responded in a big way with 23 points after being held scoreless in Union's 59-54 win in the Friday game. He posted 17 of his 23 points in the first half on 5-of-10 shooting from long range. Velasquez opened the game with a 3-pointer that sparked a 7-0 run for Union to start play. Union maintained the lead for the entire first half, including leading by as many as 13 points, before taking the 31-24 halftime advantage.
The second half opened with Union getting back-to-back layups from
Tevin Florent and
Charlie Wilson to jump the lead back to double figures. Union pushed their lead to a game high 14 points, 64-50, with just over three minutes left to play. Then matched the lead again 66-52 with 2:28 left in the game. LeMoyne-Owen scored six unanswered points in the final 2:28 to set the final at 66-58.
Union was led by Velasquez' 23 points.
Charlie Wilson had another good night with 13 points and 14 rebounds and a couple of blocked shots.
Todd Barnes scored nine points on three 3-pointers. Union shot 40 percent from the field, 35 percent (12-34) from long range, and 75 percent (12-16) from the free throw line.
LeMoyne-Owen was led by Daaron Maston with 24 points. Rashawn Ellis added nine points. The Magicians shot 31 percent from the field, 16 percent (4-25) from 3-point range, and 67 percent (16-24) from the free throw line.
Up next for Union will be a home game, Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. versus Fisk University.
-UNION-
