JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team lost 59-55 to Delta State University Friday night. Union fell to 3-2 overall and 3-2 in the Gulf South Conference – West Division. The Lady Statesmen improved to 1-4 on the season and 1-4 in league play. 

Union led 27-21 at the half, but DSU came out strong in the third quarter outscoring Union 22-10. The Lady Statesmen lead by as many as six points, 45-39, with 8:57 left in the game. It was the largest lead for the remainder of the game for the Lady Statesmen. Bulldogs outscored the Lady Statesmen 18-16 in the fourth quarter. 

Union tied the game 55-55 with 55 seconds left in the game following a 3-point play from senior All-GSC player Jaelencia Williams. On the next possession, Delta State missed but got an offensive rebound put-back to regain the lead. Union had the play to tie the game, but an open backdoor pass was missed, giving the ball back to DSU. A pair of free throws sealed the win for the Lady Statesmen.
 
Union was led by Selale Kepenc with 15 points and seven rebounds. Williams added 11 points and five rebounds. The Lady Bulldogs shot 39 percent from the field, 28 percent (8-28) from 3-point range, and 100 percent (7-7) from the free-throw line.  

The Lady Statesmen was led by Zyarie Ewing with 22 points and Shaniyah Buford with 18 points. The Lady Statesmen shot 39 percent from the field, 50 percent (5-10) from long range, and 80 percent (8-10) from the free-throw line. 

Up next for Union will be another home GSC West matchup against the Lady Statesmen of Delta State, Saturday, January 9, at 3 p.m.

-UNION-