MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team defeated Christian Brothers University 84-72 Thursday night. Union, ranked No. 15 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll and No. 8 in the D2SIDA Media Poll, improved to 25-3 on the season and 18-2 in the Gulf South Conference. The Lady Bucs finished their season 9-17 overall and 8-12 in conference play. 

The Lady Bulldogs, who remained No. 1 in the NCAA DII South Region Rankings this week, have officially clinched the GSC Regular Season Title outright. Union finished 18-2 in the GSC, one game ahead of North Alabama. This is the fourth regular season conference title in the six years of playing GSC basketball. It is also the 28th regular season conference title for Union in program history, including titles from the Gulf South Conference, the TranSouth Conference, the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference, and the Volunteer State Athletic Conference.

Union head coach Mark Campbell said, "This team has really been a blessing to coach. God has blessed us with a group that really has soft hearts. I believe our best basketball is ahead of us. Glad that they have put themselves into a position to advance."

Kyvin Goodin-Rogers scored the first bucket of the game for the Lady Bulldogs, but Christian Brothers responded with a three to take their only lead of the game, 3-2. Union pushed their lead to double figures and led by as many as 12 points in the first quarter. Union led 23-14 at the end of the first quarter. Tiffany Rechis hit a fast break jumper to extend the lead in the second quarter, 25-14. Gaines added a 3-point play soon after to extend Union's lead to their largest of the half, 30-16, with 7:45 left in the half. The Lady Bucs then went on a 11-0 run to cut the Union lead down to just three points. But Sara Lytle scored Union's next six points to keep the Lady Bulldogs up, 36-31. Union finished the half up, 41-35.

Sara Lytle led Union with 14 points in the first half, while the nations leading scorer, Chelsey Shumpert was held to just one point. 

Union controlled the way for the second half, leading by double figures for all but a few possessions. Union led by as many as 17 points in the game, 82-65, with 4:26 left in the game. 

Union was led by Perkins with 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Lytle added 22 points, Shumpert had 18 points and Gaines had 11 points for the Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Bulldogs shot 52 percent from the field, 15 percent (3-20) from long range, and 65 percent (15-23) from the free throw line.

Christian Brothers was led by Kelsey Adkins with 15 points, Blissett with 13 points, Shelmesha Barbee with 11 points and Courtney Banks with 10 points. CBU shot 52 percent from the field, 35 percent (7-20) from 3-point range, and 59 percent (13-22) from the free throw line.

Up next for Union will be the GSC Tournament Quarterfinals, Tuesday, Feb. 27 at Union at 6 p.m. versus Delta State. Tickets for the quarterfinals at Union will be $12 for reserved, $10 for General Admission, and $3 for general admission students. 

-UNION-