JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team was defeated 88-84 by LeMoyne-Owen College Saturday afternoon. Union dropped to 3-1, while LeMoyne-Owen improved to 2-2. LeMoyne-Owen avenged their loss to Union seven days earlier 66-58 in Memphis. 

The two teams battled back and forth throughout the first half with neither team pulling away. Union had the largest lead of the half of eight points, 23-15, at the 12:22 mark.. LeMoyne-Owen responded with a 13-0 run, making the score 28-23 in favor of the Magicians. Union ended the half with a 6-0 run to regain the lead in the lead before the half, 46-43. 

The Magicians started the second half with a three from Rashawn Ellis, who finished with a game high 30 points and seven 3-pointers. Pedro Da Silva responded with a lay up and then another jumper by Union's Tevin Florent put Union up by four. 

The Bulldogs and the Magicians kept the game close for most of the second half. With four minutes left, LeMoyne-Owen started to pull away as they jumped up to a 82-74 lead. With 14 seconds left in the game, Union's Nick Velasquez hit a three pulling Union to within one, 84-83. The Magicians were 19-of-20 from the free throw line, including 6-of-6 in the final minute to earn the 88-84 win.  

Union was led by Tevin Florent with 15 points, 10 rebounds and one block. Velasquez, Todd Barnes and Tyree Boykin all contributed 13 points for Union. Silva had 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.

LeMoyne-Owen was led by Ellis with 30 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Jalen Myrie also had 16 points and two rebounds. 

Up next for Union is Florida Tech's Thanksgiving Classic, November 24-25, starting with North Greenville Friday at 2 p.m. central time.

-UNION-