JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team was defeated by the University of North Alabama, 76-74, Saturday afternoon at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union dropped to 9-14 on the season and 3-12 in the Gulf South Conference. North Alabama improved to 11-11 overall and 6-9 in league play. 

Tyree Boykin opened the game for Union with a shot from beyond the arc, but Jeff Hodge responded for UNA with a layup. The Lions then went on an 11-0 run to take early control of the game. North Alabama led by as many as 13 points in the first half, 29-16, with 7:46 left to play. Union chipped away and with 1:26 left in the half, Union shortened UNA's lead to four points after a layup by Todd Barnes. The Lions closed the half with two field goals, giving UNA a 40-32 lead. 

The Bulldogs and the Lions started the second half going back and forth. At the 11:56 mark, Union's Nick Velasquez made a layup to bring the Bulldogs within two points, 54-52. UNA kept the lead with six unanswered points to bring their lead back to eight at 60-52. At the 3:28 mark, Union's Barnes made a pair of free throws to close the UNA lead to one point, but Hodge hit a three pointer to put the Lions back up at 71-67. 

Union finally grabbed their first lead, since 5-2 early in the game. Union scored five unanswered points to lead 72-21 with 50 seconds left to play. UNA's Sharwyn McGee regained the lead for his team with a layup, 73-72, with 29 seconds left. After Union missed on their first shot at the win, a loose ball gave the Bulldogs one more chance. Velasquez was fouled on his attempt at the lead. Velasquez hit both free throws to put Union up 74-73 with eight seconds left in the game. However, Tavaras Tolliver took the ball the length of the floor, made the basket and was fouled. After hitting the free throw, UNA led 76-74 with just four seconds left. Union missed on their final shot. 

Union was led by Barnes with 18 points, Wilson and Da Silva both had 14 points. Union shot 35 percent  (23-65) from the field, 32 percent (10-31) from three-point range, and 100 percent (18-18) from the foul line. 

UNA was led by Stafford with 17 points. McGee and Tolliver both had 15 points and Hodge had 14 points for UNA. The Lions were 48 percent from the field, 44 percent (7-16), and 58 percent (11-19) from the foul line. 

Up next for Union is a game at Lee University on Thursday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live. 

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