JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team defeated Central State University 98-67 Thursday night at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union, ranked No. 4 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll and No. 2 by the D2SIDA Media poll, improved to 3-0 on the season. Central State University dropped to 2-1. 

After ending the first quarter down 21-19,  Union took the lead in the second quarter after five three-pointers made by five different players, Emily Beard, Kennedy Childers, Jada Perkins, and Jada Smith. The Lady Bulldogs led at the end of the first half, 52-38. 

To start the third quarter, Central State went on a 9-3 run to close the gap to eight points, but the Lady Bulldogs responded and ended the third quarter up 76-55. In the fourth quarter, Union held Central State to only 12 points. The Lady Bulldogs had their largest lead of the game at 31 points with 29 seconds left, making the final score 98-67. 

The Lady Bulldogs scored 40 of their points in the paint, and the Union bench had 32 points. The Lady Bulldogs forced 10 turnovers and had 51 rebounds. Central State forced 16 turnovers and had 28 rebounds. 

Union had six players in double figures, led by Morgan Martin with 21 points and seven rebounds and Kennedy Childers with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Beard added 12 points, including 4-5 from three-point range, and Perkins and Tiffany Rechis both will 11 points. Union was 57 percent from the field, 61 percent (13-21) from three-point range, and 59.1 percent (13-22) from the foul line. 

Central State was led by Takyra Gilbert with 24 points, Falon Edwards with 12 points, and Spaulding Brooke with 11 points. Central State was 36 percent from the field, 33 percent (7-21) from long range, and 57 percent (8-14)  from the foul line. 

Up next for Union is Rust College on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m.

-UNION-