JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team was defeated by the University of West Florida 72-60 Saturday afternoon. Union dropped to 12-15 on the season and 6-13 in the Gulf South Conference. West Florida, ranked No. 16 in the NABC Coaches' Poll, improved to 24-3 overall and remain in third place with a 15-3 league record. West Florida is also No. 3 in the NCAA DII South Region Rankings. 

West Florida jumped out ahead of the Bulldogs 7-0 to start the game. Nick Velasquez and Tyree Boykin both made shots from beyond the arc to bring the Bulldogs back within one. The Argonauts then went on an 8-0 run to extend their lead. West Florida led for the entire game. With two minutes left in the half, Henri Ventoniemi brought the Argonauts to their largest lead of the game of 16 points, 36-20. Union trailed 36-22 at the half. 

Union stayed close in the second half and was able to slowly chip away at the West Florida lead. After a 3-pointer from Tyree Boykin with 3:39 left in the game, Union had pulled to within four points, 60-56. However, West Florida closed the game with a 12-4 run, making the final score 72-60. 

Union was led by Boykin with 28 points. Velasquez had 13 points and 6 rebounds. The Bulldogs were 43 percent (22-51) from the field, 40 percent (9-22) from the three-point range, and 70 percent (7-10) from the foul line. 

West Florida was led by Tucker with 16 points. Rashaan Benson had 14 points. Marvin Jones and Henri Ventoniemi both had 13 points. The Argonauts were 49 percent (28-57) from the field, 29 percent (5-17) from three-point range, and 61 percent (11-18 from the foul line. 

Union will hit the road for the final game of the year, Thursday, February 22 at 7 p.m. at Christian Brothers. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live. 

-UNION-