MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Union University women's basketball team defeated Auburn University at Montgomery Thursday night, 43-40. Union improved to 14-1 overall and 6-1 in the Gulf South Conference. AUM dropped to 0-14 overall and 0-7 in conference play.
With this win, head coach Mark Campbell earned his 600th career win. Campbell became the fastest college basketball coach in history, across all divisions, to 600 wins. He did so in just 691 games, breaking the women's basketball record of 706 games by Nancy Fahey, currently of Illinois, but earned more than 600 wins at NCAA DIII Washington-St. Louis. Campbell is also faster than the men's record holder, Kentucky's Adolph Rupp, who reached the mark in 704 games.
The game was a slow paced game from the start, much to do with the stall ball played by Auburn Montgomery. Union did not scored until a basket from Jada Smith with 7:21 left in the quarter tied the game at 2-2. Union ended the first quarter on top with the score at 12-11. Union continued to struggle from the field, but closed the first half with an 8-0 run to lead 22-16 at the half. Union's Tiffany Rechis hit a pair of 3-pointers during that run to close the half.
Union's Morgan Martin gave the Lady Bulldogs their largest lead of the game at 29-20 with just over two minutes left in the third quarter. AUM scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to cut the Union lead down to three points. Union extended its lead back to as many as eight points three times in the fourth quarter, including the final time, 41-33, with 3:13 left in the game. The Warhawks got back-to-back baskets including a 3-pointer to cut Union's lead down to three points, 41-38, with 2:21. Union then got a layup from Martin to lead 43-38 with 1:54 left. After both teams missed shots on possession, AUM scored with 39 seconds left on an offensive rebound and put back. Union missed on its end, but the game tying 3-point attempt by AUM was off the mark, giving Union the win.
Union was led by Jada Perkins with 10 points. Morgan Martin led the team with 13 rebounds and nine points. Union shot 26 percent from the field, 26 percent (5-19) from long range, and 40 percent (4-10) from the free throw line.
Jordan Brewster lead the Warhawks with 13 points, and Evelina Avleeva added in eight points with 11 rebounds. AUM shot 27 percent from the field, 18 percent (4-22) from three-point range, and 66 percent (6-9) from the charity line.
AUM out-rebounded Union 51-40, including 40-29 defensively. Union committed 10 turnovers, forcing 17 from AUM.
Next up for Union is another GSC matchup at West Alabama Saturday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m.
-UNION-
