LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The Union University women's basketball posted an 87-68 win at the University of West Alabama Friday night. Union improved to 5-2 overall and in the Gulf South Conference. West Alabama dropped to 3-2 for the season and in league play. 

West Alabama, receiving votes in the latest national rankings, was hot in the first half. The Tigers shot 60-percent from the field, including 54 percent (7-13) from 3-point range in the first half. UWA led Union 40-39 at the break after Union went just 3-of-14 from long range in the first half. 

In the second half, Union wasted no time in taking control of the game. Emily Beard drained a 3-pointer less than a minute into play to give Union the lead for good. Union extended its lead to double figures, 54-44, with 4:14 left in the third quarter. By the end of the third quarter, Union was leading by 18 points, 66-48. 

Union's largest lead of the game was 25 points with 2:39 left to play. 

Five Union players reached double figures. Jaelencia Williams led all scorers with 23 points. Shanique Lucas scored 17 points, Emily Beard and Jordan Little each added 12 points, and Leah Cauble scored 11 points. Sadie Knee dished out 11 assists. Union shot 54 percent from the field, including 61 percent in the second half. Union was also much better from long range, finishing the game at 36 percent (9-25) after making 6-of-11 three-pointers in the second half. Union was 61 percent (14-23) from the free-throw line. 

West Alabama outrebounded Union 37-31, including 13-8 offensively. Union, however, dominated the turnover battle, forcing 18 from West Alabama, while committing just eight. 

West Alabama was led by Bria Dent with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Tazsa Garrett-Hammett added 18 points and Naelyn Rios scored 11 points. The Tigers shot 43 percent from the field, 43 percent (9-21) from long range, and 69 percent (9-13) from the free-throw line. 

The two teams will meet again, Saturday, January 16 at 2 p.m. in Livingston. 

-UNION-