JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team posted a 71-56 win against No. 4 Lee University Thursday night. Union improved to 22-4 overall and 16-2 in the Gulf South Conference. Lee suffered its second loss of the season and dropped to 24-2 on the season and 16-2 in league play. 

The game was streamed live on ESPN.com and the ESPN app. 

Lee entered the contest ranked No. 4 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll, first in the NCAA D2 Region Rankings, and first in the GSC. Union entered the matchup ranked second in the NCAA D2 Region Rankings and second in the GSC.

Union jumped out to a 7-3 lead early in the first quarter, but Lee chipped away and came out of the quarter with a 17-16. Lee would never lead again in the game. A layup by Jaelencia Williams opened the first quarter and put Union up 18-17. The Lady Flames tied the game twice, but the Lady Bulldogs took the 34-29 advantage into halftime. 

The Lady Bulldogs led by as many as nine points in the third quarter thanks to baskets from five different players. Union led by as many as 15 points three different times in the fourth quarter. A pair of free throws from junior Jacie Higgins set the win at 71-56.   

Union held No. 4 Lee to its lowest shooting percentage of the season at 28 percent. 

Union was led by Jada Smith with 29 points and added four rebounds and three assists. Williams and Higgins each add 11 points. Freshman Shanique Lucas grabbed seven rebounds. Union shot 52 percent from the field, 33 percent (3-9) from 3-point range, and 78 percent (14-18) from the free throw line. 

Lee was led by Becca Cheeks and Haley Schubert with 13 points each. Lindsey Roddy scored 11 points while Nicky Widenski had 9 rebounds. The Lady Flames shot 28 percent from the field, 31 percent (8-26) from long range, and 93 percent (14-15) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union is its final regular season home matchup of the season. The Lady Bulldogs will host Mississippi College on Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. for Senior Day. 

-UNION-