LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The Union University men's basketball team posted a 66-54 win at the University of West Alabama Saturday afternoon. Union improved to 8-4 on the season and in Gulf South Conference West play. West Alabama dropped to 3-3 overall and in league play. 

Union swept the pair of games this weekend at West Alabama, taking Friday night's contest 59-55. Union also claims the regular-season series with UWA, 3-1, as the teams split two games two weeks ago at Union. 

The win moved Union into second place in the GSC West standings behind Alabama Huntsville (6-0). It also moves Union's record on the season to 7-1. Union now plays six of the next eight games at home, including four straight. 

Union head coach David Niven said, "I am very proud of how our guys have handled the road so far this season. It will be great to play four straight home now! This team has a long way to go but I think they are starting to realize how good we can be defensively. It was not a great offensive game either night particularly from 3-point range with the exception of Ty Parks. but we were able to win both games with some really solid defense."

Union opened the game with a 19-1 run, including the first seven points of the game. UWA's first three points of the game came from the free throw line. With 9:52 left in the first half, West Alabama got its first field goal of the night to cut Union's lead to 21-5. West Alabama kept chipping away and with 2:30 left in the half, had cut Union's lead down to just five points, 27-22. Union stopped the Tiger run and at the half, led by nine points, 32-23. 

In the second half, West Alabama kept Union in range and with 12:42 left to play, had cut the deficit back to five points, 40-35. Union posted a quick 8-0 run to regain control and push the lead back to double figures where it remained for the rest of the game. A dunk from JC Clausi with 3:49 matched Union's largest lead of the game at 18 points, 61-43. Union coasted to the 66-54 win. 

For the second straight night, Union was led by Tylandrius Parks as he poured in 16 in Saturday's game. Justin Debuck added 12 points and Hunter Vick scored 11 points. Dusan Djordjevic led with seven points. Union shot 53 percent from the field, 11 percent (1-9) from long range, and 65 percent (15-23) from the free throw line. 

Union outrebounded West Alabama 35-23, including 10-7 offensively. Union had 14 turnovers to the 12 miscues for UWA. Union scored 38 points in the paint. 

West Alabama was led by Davis with 16 points and Miles with 11 points. The Tigers shot 40 percent from the field, 19 percent (3-16) from 3-point range, and 62 percent (13-21) from the foul line. 

Up next for Union in a pair of home games, Friday and Saturday, February 5-6 versus Mississippi College. Tickets can be purchased online next week at www.uuathletics.com/tickets. Visit www.uuathletics.com/live for coverage options. 

-UNION-