JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team posted a 68-66 win at home against the University of Montevallo Friday night in the Gulf South Conference Tournament Semifinals. Union improved to 17-5 overall. Montevallo dropped to 14-6 overall.

This will be the Lady Bulldogs' fifth GSC Tournament title game appearance. Union is 3-1 in the previous four title games including a win over Delta State in the 2020 Championship Game. It was the final game Union played last season before COVID ended the season prior to the region tournament.  

Union led by 10, 53-43, entering the four quarter, but in a matter of minutes, Montevallo erased Union's lead. Montevallo took its first lead of the night, 61-60, with 3:23 left in the game. The game produced six lead changes in the final 3:23 of the game. Monevallo took its final lead 66-65 with 2:08 left to play. The Falcons had the ball, still clinging to the same 66-65 lead with 32 seconds left following a miss by Union. With 17 seconds left, Montevallo was called for an offensive foul, giving Union a final shot. Sadie Knee took the charge, setting up a memory making final 17 seconds of play for the sophomore guard. After both teams called timeouts, Union's called play was stopped by Montevallo. Shanique Lusas, double-teamed, found Knee beyond the arc and Knee hit a near buzzer beater three to give the Lady Bulldogs a two-point lead with 1.5 seconds left. Montevallo was unable to score, setting the final at 68-66.

The Lady Bulldogs took an early lead thanks to some timely offensive production, and after a three pointer by Emily Beard, the lead reached nine points at 14-5. The biggest lead of the first quarter came with only a minute left at 20-10 with a layup by Shanique Lucas. Union extended the lead to 12 in the second quarter, but the Falcons cut the lead to as little as two with 1:37 left in the second at 28-25. The halftime score was 32-25. Union extended its lead to the largest of the night at 17 points with 6:03 left in the third with a made three pointer from Selale Kepenc.

Union was led by Shanique Lucas with 23 points, three assists, and seven rebounds. Jaelencia Williams had a huge night, with a double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds. Selale Kepenc added 12 points to her line with six rebounds, and Sadie Knee had 10 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. Union shot 46% from the field, 34% (9-26) from three, and 57% (11-19) from the free throw line.

Montevallo was led by Jordan Jones with 22 points, two assists, and four rebounds. Marissa Snodgrass added 19 points, two rebounds, and five assists. Montevallo shot 34% from the field, 32% (10-31) from three, and 100% (10-10) from the free throw line. 

Up next, Union will head to the championship game of the GSC tournament against the 3-seed from the GSC East, Lee University, Sunday, March 7, 1 p.m. Listen locally on 101.5 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/live. The game will also be carried on FloSports. A subscription is required. The link can also be found at uuathletics.com/live. 

-UNION-