CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Union University men's basketball team posted a 92-79 win at Delta State University Friday night in the first game of the new calendar year. Union improved to 3-2 on the season and in Gulf South Conference play. This was the first game of the season for Delta State. 

Union was shooting over 60 percent for most of the night and finished at 57 percent for the game. Union was 12-of-22 from long range for 55 percent. Six Bulldogs scored double figures led by JC Hawkins with 19 points on 5-of-7 shooting from 3-point range. Tylandrius Parks also scored 19 points, going 7-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-2 from long range. Justin Debuck scored 14 points, Hunter Vick added 13 points, Dusan Djordjevic scored 12, and Jeremiah Littlepage scored 10 points. Parks added nine rebounds, while Debuck led with seven assists. 

Parks opened the game with a 3-pointer. Union's first 15 points all game from 3-pointers. Delta State led briefly, 7-6, early in the and stayed close before tying the game 30-30 with 6:21 left in the half. Union pushed the lead to its largest of the half following a 4-point play from Vick on a 3-pointer and free throw. Union held a 47-39 lead at the break. 

In the second half, DSU cut the Union lead to six points on a basket to open play. Union answered and following the second 3-pointer from Parks, had the lead back to double figures, 55-45. Union extended its lead to as many as 19 points in the game following a 3-pointer from Vick with 12:21 left to play. Union cruised down the stretch, never losing the double-digit advantage. Hawkins finished the game scoring the final seven points for Union, sinking his fifth 3-pointer of the game, and hitting four free throws. 

Delta State was led by Cartwright with 24 points and Motley with 20. Lemons and Brooks each added 11. The Statesmen also shot well in the game, hitting 60 percent from the field and 50 percent (9-18) from long range. 

Union won the turnover battle, committing 11 to DSU's 13. Union also out rebounded the Statesmen 31-25, including 11-7 offensively. 

Union was 16-of-23 from the free-throw line for 70 percent, while DSU was 4-of-10 for 40 percent. 

The two teams will face off again, Saturday, January 9 at 2:30 p.m. at Delta State. 

-UNION-