CLINTON, Miss. - The Union University women's basketball posted a 93-81 win at Mississippi College Saturday afternoon. Union, ranked No. 6 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll and No. 7 in the D2SIDA Media Poll, improved to 22-1 overall and 14-1 in the Gulf South Conference. Mississippi College dropped to 6-15 on the season and 2-13 in league play. 

With the win today, Union has clinched home court for the GSC Tournament Quarterfinals March 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Perkins dished out 14 assists in the game, just one shy of Amy Philamlee's record 15 assists in a game. Perkins is one of four players record 14 assists in a game. 

Union scored first in the game and led 4-2 early after two baskets form Morgan Martin. However, the first four minutes of play belonged to Mississippi College. The Choctaws pushed out to a 16-6 lead thanks to a 14-2 run. Union chipped away and finally regained the lead on a 3-pointer from Kennedy Childers at the 2:34 mark to give Union a 20-18 lead. After a 22-4 run, Union led 24-18 lead and held a 24-20 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

In the second quarter, Union extended its lead to as many as 10 points following one of Tiffany Rechis' four 3-pointers in the first half. Union led by 10 points twice, but MC was able to keep it close. The Choctaws cut the deficit to three points twice, including 45-42 late in the first half. Union, responded in the final seconds with a 3-pointer from Childers to put the halftime score at 48-42. 

Mississippi College continued its momentum started late in the fist half. The Choctaws tied the game 54-54 with 6:15 left in the third quarter after outscoring Union 12-6 in the first four minutes of play. MC tied the game twice in the third quarter, but never led. Union extended its lead back to eight points, 72-64, by the end of the quarter. 

Union extended its lead back to double figures in the fourth quarter sparked by a fifth three pointer of the game for Rechis. Emily Beard got her first 3-pointer of the game with 5:29 left and Union held its largest lead to that point at 14 points, 82-68. Beard's second 3-pointer gave the Lady Bulldogs their largest lead of the game, 89-74 with 1:54 left to play. Union matched its largest lead of 15 points three times in the fourth quarter before taking the 93-81 final. 

Mississippi College out-rebounded Union 36-34 in the game. Both teams committed several turnovers, including 18 for Union and 17 for MC. 

Union had five players in double figures led by Jada Smith with 19 points. Martin recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Rechis finished with 16 points on five 3-pointers. Childers scored 12 and Avree Carpenter scored 10 points. Jada Perkins finished with a season high 14 assists. Union shot 52 percent from the field, 60 percent from 3-point range (12-20), and 75 percent (15-20) from the free throw line. 

Mississippi College was led by Ratcliffe with 21 points. Sanders scored 16, Matthews had 15, Hobson 15, and Sheriff scored 10 points. The Choctaws shot 44 percent from the field, 44 percent (8-18) from 3-point range, and were a perfect 11-of-11 free throw line. 

Up next for Union will be another GSC road game, Monday, February 11 at Christian Brothers at 5 p.m. Listen on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live. 

-UNION-