JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team defeated the University of West Georgia 100-96 Tuesday night at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union is now 7-5 overall and 1-3 in the Gulf South Conference. West Georgia dropped to 5-6 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
Union jumped out to a 5-0 lead on a jumper by Todd Barnes and a three-pointer from Pedro Da Silva. The game was tied three times in the first half, but Union never gave up the lead. The Bulldogs led by as many as nine points in the first half, 39-30, following an 8-0 run. Union held a 45-38 lead at the break.
West Georgia hit a three-pointer to start the second half that brought the Wolves to within four points of Union. However, Union responded and push the lead to double figures for the first time in the game on a 3-pointer from Nick Velasquez. Velasquez scored 11 points in five minutes to help extend Union's lead, 68-54, with just over 11 minutes left in the game. Velasquez scored all 23 of his points in the second half. Union held their largest lead of 14 points four different times down the stretch. The final time being 90-76. However, West Georgia kept hitting shots late and cut into Union's lead. The Wolves got to within five points, 98-93 following a 3-pointer from Paul Turner with 15 seconds left. Two free throws from Velasquez put Union up 100-93, giving room for Turner's fourth 3-pointer of the night at the buzzer that set the final at 100-96.
Union was led by Velazquez with 23 points. Charlie Wilson added 22 points and nine rebounds. Pedro Da Silva finished with nine points and nine rebounds, while Barnes scored 19 points. Alex Keel dished out 10 assists. Union shot 59 percent from the field, including 70 percent in the second half. Union was 55 percent (11-20) from long range and 70 percent (19-27) from the free throw line.
Union gave West Georgia numerous extra possessions with 18 turnovers, 13 in the second half, while the Wolves committed just six total turnovers.
West Georgia was led by Sides with 34 points, Turner with 18 points, and Smith with 16 points. The Wolves shot, 48 percent from the field, 42 percent (14-33) from long range, and 67 percent (16-24) from the free throw line.
Up next for Union is the last of a five game home stretch, Thursday, January 2 at 8 p.m. versus Auburn University at Montgomery. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
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