HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Union University men's basketball team posted an 80-65 win at No. 10 University of Alabama in Huntsville. Union improved to 10-6 overall and in Gulf South Conference West play. Alabama Huntsville took its first GSC loss of the year, falling to 12-2 overall and 12-1 in league play. 

The win for Union was key on several fronts. First, the win helps Union keep a solid grip on the No. 2 seed in the GSC West Standings with means at GSC Tournament Quarterfinal home game. Second, it is a key win over a ranked team which will boost the region rankings status for the Bulldogs, already listed in the top-8. And finally, the win for Union at UAH marked the first victory for the Union men's team at UAH since joining the league in 2012-13. 

Alabama Huntsville opened the game with a basket, followed by a 3-pointer from Union's Dusan Djordjevic. The first half was back and forth. UAH led by as many as five points, 16-11, while Union also led by as many as five points, 27-22. UAH rallied and led 33-30, before Union closed out the half with a 7-0 run. Union's late run included five points from Tylandrius Parks on a layup and 3-pointer. The first half included nine lead changes and three ties. Union led 37-33 at the half. 

Union took control of the game in the second half. JC Hawkins opened the second half with a 3-pointer. Union quickly got its lead up to double figures, 45-35 on a Parks layup with 17:59 left to play. Union continued to extend its lead. Union led by 17, but UAH cut the deficit down to 13 points,63-50, with 10:42 left. Union posted a 6-0 run including five from Hunter Vick on a 3-pointer and jumper. Union's largest lead was 19 points on three occasions in the second half, 69-50, 71-52, and 74-55. Union coasted down the stretch to the 80-65 win. 

Union was led by JC Hawkins with 19 points including five 3-pointers. Tylandruis Parks scored 18 points, Djordjevic added 13 points, and Justin Debuck scored 12 points. Hunter Vick scored nine points and led with nine rebounds and five assists. Union shot 45 percent from the field, 35 percent (12-34) from long range, and 75 percent (6-8) from the free throw line. 

Union outrebounded UAH 42-37, including 12-10 offensively. Turnovers were low for both teams, seven for Union and eight for UAH. 

Alabama Huntsville was led by JJ Kaplan with 17 points. Seth Swalve added 15 points and Sam Orf scored 13 points. The Chargers shot 41 percent from the field, 18 percent (4-22) from 3-point range, and 75 percent (9-12) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union will be the final regular-season games of the year, two home games versus Christian Brothers, Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m., February 26-27. Tickets can be purchased at www.uuathletics.com/tickets. Visit www.uuathletics.com/live for coverage options. 

-UNION-