JACKSON,Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team defeated Martin Methodist College Saturday 87-56 in an exhibition game.
The Lady Bulldogs, ranked No. 4/2 in the two preseason polls, took control early with an 8-0 lead. Marcia Reed stopped the Lady Bulldogs' run with a three-pointer. Union then went on an 11-0 run, started by a steal and a jumper from Jada Smith. Union continued to extend their lead throughout the first quarter, ending with a steal and layup from Jada Perkins. Union led 32-11 after the first quarter.
The first points of the second quarter came from Union's Smith. Martin Methodist then began to rally in the second quarter. The RedHawks outscored Union 16-10 in the quarter and closed out the half with a 6-0 run to make the score 42-27.
Union opened the second half with a 12-2 run that included three three-pointers from Emily Beard, Avree Carpenter, and Tiffany Rechis. Union put up 26 third quarter points, extending its lead to 68-44.
Bailey Booker gave the Lady Bulldogs their first two points of the fourth quarter with a pair of free throws. Union had their largest lead of the game (33 points) after a three-pointer from Beard. Union outscored the RedHawks 19-12 in the final quarter to push the final to 87-56.
Union was led by Morgan Martin with 14 points and two blocks. Also scoring in the double digits was Rechis and Deja Graves with 12, Beard with 11, and Carpenter with 10. Perkins led with 11 assists. Graves led in rebounds with nine. Union shot 49 percent from the field, 33 percent (9-27) from long range, and 71 percent (12-17) from the free throw line.
Martin Methodist was led by Laken Arnett with 15 points and Samariah Thompson with 13 points. The RedHawks shot 34 percent from the field, eight percent (1-12) from 3-point range, and 65 percent (15-23) from the free throw line.
Next up for Union is the South Region Crossover Classic hosted by Barry University in Miami, Fla. Union plays Barry, Friday, November 9th at 4:30 p.m. and Nova Southeastern Saturday at 3 p.m. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live.
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