CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Union University women's basketball team posted a 78-62 victory Friday night over Delta State University. Union, ranked No. 19 in the D2SIDA Media poll and receiving votes in the WBCA Coaches' poll, improved to 12-3 on the season and in the Gulf South Conference West. Delta State dropped to 5-9 overall and in league play. 

Union split its previous two-game series with Delta State earlier in the season. 

Friday's game started with Delta State controlling the first quarter, taking a 22-16 lead at the end of the first 10 minutes. Union responded with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Delta State 20-8 and taking a 36-30 lead into the half. 

In the third quarter, Union led by as many as 13 points but only outscored Delta State 22-21. Union led 58-51 heading into the fourth quarter. Union opened the fourth quarter with a jumper by Jordan Little to regain a nine-point lead. Delta State then cut the lead to six before a layup from Sadie Knee extended the lead to eight. Delta State cut the lead to six points once more before Union took control and outscored Delta State 16-6 in the final eight minutes of the game. 

Union was led by Jaelencia Williams with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Shanique Lucas scored 20 points, and Little added 17 points. Union shot 62 percent from the field, 42 percent (8-19) from long range, and 67 percent (8-12) from the free throw line. 

Union and Delta State each grabbed 28 rebounds, but Union won the turnover battle with 12 compared to Delta State's 13.  

Delta State was led by Zyaire Ewing with 17 points and nine rebounds. T'Kyra Hicks added 12 points. The Lady Statesmen shot 38 percent from the field, 17 percent (2-12) from 3-point range, and 89 percent (16-18) from the foul line. 

Up next for Union is its fourth and final game against Delta State in the regular season Saturday, February 13 in Cleveland. For game coverage information head to www.uuathletics.com/live  

-UNION-