DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Union University men's basketball team posted an 81-69 win over Georgia Southwestern State University Saturday night in the North Georgia Classic. Union improved to 5-0, while Georgia Southwestern State dropped to 0-3.

It was a big second half for the Union Bulldogs, overcoming a 33-32 halftime deficit. In the second half, Union shot 54 percent from the field, including 63 percent (5-8) from 3-point range. 

Georgia Southwestern extended its lead to as many as seven points early in the second half. Union quickly responded and took a 43-42 lead on a layup from Jeremiah Littlepage with 17:40 left in the game. The two teams swapped baskets and a 3-pointer from Justin Debuck gave Union a 46-44 lead. Union never trailed again. 

The Bulldogs led by as many as 15 points in the second half, before taking the 12-point win. 

Union scored first in the game on a basketball from Tyree Boykin. However, Georgia Southwestern State held the lead for most of the first 10 minutes, leading by as many as seven points. Union responded and led for the majority of the final 10 minutes. Union led by as many a nine points, 30-21 with 2:56 left in the half. Georgia Southwestern State roared back, outscoring Union 12-2 over the final three minutes of the half, including a 3-pointer at the buzzed to take the halftime lead.

Union continued the theme of a balanced scoring attacked in the early part of the season. Nine players scored in the game, including four in double figures. JC Clausi led Union with 14 points. Boe Nguidjol added 13 points, Tylandrius Parks scored 12 points and LIttlepage added 11 points. The Bulldogs shot 44 percent from the field, 41 percent (9-22) from long range, and 64 percent (16-25) from the free throw line. 

Georgia Southwestern State was led by Jarrett Adderton and Brady Ranking with 19 points each. Dontevius Tatum added 12 points. Georgia Southwestern shot 44 percent from the field, 36 percent (11-31) from 3-point range, and 62 percent (8-13) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union is the third of three games away from home. Union heads to Hammond, Indiana to face Purdue University Northwestern, Wednesday at 2 p.m. Listen on 101.5 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/coverage. 

-UNION-