JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team defeated Shorter University 90-81 Thursday night at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. The Bulldogs improved to 9-11 overall and 3-9 in conference play. The Hawks dropped to 3-17 on the season and 3-9 in conference play. 

Josh Burnett opened up the game for Shorter with a layup, giving Shorter the early lead. The teams swapped scoring possessions for he next four minutes, before Union got back-to-back 3-pointers from Tyree Boykin to hive the Bulldogs their first lead of the game, 13-11. After swapping leads two more times, Union extended their advantage to as many as eight points in the first half, 29-21, with 10:35 left. Shorter chipped away and with 7:09 left, a dunk from Josh Burnett tied the game again at 35-35. Union regained control and led 48-45 at the half. 

The Bulldogs began to build their lead in the second half. After an opening basket from Shorter to cut the Union lead to on point, Union went on a 17-2 run, including 10 straight points. Union push their lead to as many as 19 points in the second half, 74-55, with 8:08 left in the game. Shorter again began to chip away at Union's lead, but ran out of time. After a couple late turnovers by the Bulldogs, Union took the game 90-81. 

Union was led by Tyree Boykin with 25 points with four 3-pointers. Charlie Wilson added a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.. Nick Velasquez scored 11 and Todd Barns added 10 points. Union shot 59 percent from the field, 38 percent (9-24) from 3-point range, and 71 percent (17-24) from the free throw line. 

Shorter was led by Potter with 25 points and Josh Burnett with 17 points. Major added 15, while Mason scored 10. The Hawks shot 47 percent from the field, 24 percent (7-29) from long range, and 67 percent (8-12) from the free throw line. 

Next up for Union is the second of four straight home games, Saturday, January 27 at 4 p.m. versus Lee. Listen on 93.1 FM, watch on Eplus TV 6, or online at www.uuathletics.com/live. 

-UNION-