JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team was defeated by No. 25 Valdosta State University, 83-69, Monday night at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union dropped to 8-9 on the season and 2-7 in the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State improved to 15-2 overall and 8-1 in conference play.
The Bulldogs opened the game with six unanswered points, four coming from Charlie Wilson. Union held the lead until Valdosta State rallied to tie the game at 11-11. VSU then held a small lead for the next five minutes until a 3-pointer from Tyree Boykin put Union up 24-21 with 9:01 left in the half. After the Blazers extended their lead to six points, Union rallied again with a 7-0 run started by a 3-pointer from Boykin to lead 36-35. That was the final lead of the game for Union. With the game tied 40-40, Valdosta State closed the half with seven unanswered points to give the Blazers a 47-40 point lead.
Beau Justice opened the second half with a shot beyond the arc for the Blazers. Pedro Da Silva responded for the Bulldogs with a layup, but then Justice made another layup keeping Valdosta State's lead at 10 points. The Blazer lead remained in double figures for the remainder of the game. Valdosta State led by as many as 18 points twice. Union cut the deficit to 10 points, 77-67, with 1:35 left, but fell 83-69.
Union was led by Boykin with 22 points with four 3-pointers. Todd Barnes, KC Goodwin, and Tevin Florent each added 10 points. Union shot 44 percent from the field, 28 percent (5-18) from 3-point line, and 67 percent (12-18) from the free throw line.
Valdosta State was led by Justice with 15 points, while James posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Johnson added 13 points on four 3-pointers, and Morgan scored 10 points. The Blazers shot 42 percent from the field, 36 percent (11-31) from long range, and 80 percent (16-20) from the free throw line.
Up next for Union will be a road game at West Alabama, Thursday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
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