HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Union University women's basketball team needed three big shots at the end of the fourth quarter, first overtime, and second overtime to tie the game each time. And they hit all three. Union posted an 82-80 double overtime victory at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Friday afternoon. Union improved to 11-2 overall and 5-0 in the Gulf South Conference. Alabama Huntsville dropped to 5-5 on the season and 3-2 in the league play. 

It was the second double overtime game of the season for Union, the first coming back in the second game of the year in a 2OT 90-82 loss to Barry University. 

Union was down 65-62 in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Junior guard Emily Beard hit a 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining to tie the game. UAH missed on its final shot to win. 

Then, in the first overtime, Union was down again by three, 72-69. Beard missed a 3-pointer but freshman Shanique Lucas grabbed the offensive board, and found Jada Smith. Smith drained the game tying 3-pointer with just four seconds left. Again, UAH missed a desperation shot to win. 

After Union scored the first five points of the second overtime, UAH rallied with eight straight points to lead 80-77. Beard made her second clutch 3-pointer of the game with 16 seconds left to tie the game. UAH had time to go for the win, but again, missed on the attempt. Union's Jacie Higgins grabbed the rebound and was fouled. Higgins hit two free throws with six seconds left to put Union up 82-80. UAH missed its final attempt. 

Prior to the three 3-pointers hit by Union in the final seconds of the final three periods, Union had hit just two 3-pointers first 39-plus minutes of the game. 

In the series with UAH, 10 of the last 15 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less. Union has won 14 of the 15 meetings. 

The game was close throughout with UAH leading 24-18 after the first quarter. Union outscored UAH 20-15 in the second quarter to cut its halftime deficit to just one, 39-38. Union took a 53-48 lead at the end of three quarters after a 15-9 advantage in the third. UAH outscored Union 17-12 in the fourth quarter, but Union's heroics kept the game alive. 

Union was led by Jada Smith with a career high 29 points including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. Jaelencia Williams added her sixth double-double of the season and eighth of her career with 23 points and 16 rebounds. The 16 rebounds ties a career high for the junior post player. Higgins added 12 points and seven rebounds and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line, including the two game-winning free throws in double overtime. Beard added eight points, including the only other two 3-pointers for Union on the night. Both of her 3's coming in final seconds, game-tying situations in the fourth and double-overtime periods. Union shot 45 percent from the field, 28 percent (5-18) from 3-point range, and 77 percent (13-17) from the free throw line. 

Alabama Huntsville had five players in double figures led by Holly Harris with 18 points. Aryn Sanders added 17 points, Katie Speegle scored 15 points, Emiline Payne scored 12 points, and Selena Pruitt added 10 points. Sanders and Speegle completed double-doubles with 16 and 11 rebounds respectively. The Chargers shot 41 percent from the field, 40 percent (10-25) from long range, and 50 percent (10-20) from the free throw line. 

Union is off for two weeks for Christmas break. The Lady Bulldogs return to action January 4 at No. 5 Lee University. 

-UNION-