ROME, Ga. - The Union University women's basketball team defeated Shorter University 75-57 Saturday afternoon. Union, ranked No. 7 in the WBCA Coaches' poll and No. 8 in the D2SIDA Media poll, improved to 19-1 overall and 11-1 in the Gulf South Conference. Shorter dropped to 1-17 overall and 0-11 in conference play. 

In the first quarter, played close until Union pushed out to a 20-11 lead late in the quarter. A 3-pointer from Shorter at the buzzer set the first quarter score at 20-14. The Lady Bulldogs opened the second quarter with twelve straight points to extend the 32-14. The second quarter was Union's highest scoring quarter of the game with 24 points, giving the Lady Bulldogs a 44-25 lead at the half. Shorter out-scored Union 16-15 in the third quarter, cutting the Lady Bulldog lead to 59-41 lead. In the fourth quarter, both teams played evenly, 16-16, setting the final at 75-57. 

Union was led by Jada Smith with 18 points and four steals. Morgan Martin had her eighth double-double of the year with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Jada Perkins also had 16 points and led in assists with five. Union was 43 percent from the field, 40 percent (9-22) from three-point range, and 88 percent  (8-9) from the free throw line. 

Union was out rebounded 34-32, while Shorter had six more turnovers at 19-13. 

Shorter was led by Raven Fair and Jasmine Gaines who both had 17 points. Kayla Holmes led the Hawks in rebounds with seven. Shorter was 39 percent from the field, 17 percent (4-23) from three point range, and 71 (5-7) percent from the foul line. 

Next game for Union is a home game, Thursday, January 31st at 5:30 p.m. against University of West Georgia. 

-UNION-