MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The Union University men's basketball team posted an 87-80 win at the University of Montevallo Thursday night. Union improved to 13-3 overall and 7-1 in the Gulf South Conference. Montevallo dropped to 8-9 overall and 6-3 in league play.

Union is receiving votes in both the NABC Coaches' Poll and the D2SIDA Media Poll.

Union opened the game with a 3-pointer from Tylandrius Parks. However, Montevallo took control, pushing out to a 14-point, 31-17, lead with 8:02 left in the half following back-to-back 3-pointers. 

Union settled in and closed out the final eight minutes of the first half, outscoring Montevallo 21-10. Two free throws from Jeremiah Littlepage with no time on the clock at the end of the half, pulled Union to within three points, 41-38 at the break. 

The second half opened with a jumper from Hunter Vick and a 3-pointer from Parks and Union had regained the lead, 43-41. The teams went back and forth until Union took the lead for good 59-58 on a Justin Debuck jumper with 10 minutes left. Union took control and extended its lead to as many as 13 points, 84-71 with 53 second left in the game.

Union shot over 50 percent from the field in both halves, including 56 percent and 49-point second half. 

Union was led by Tylandrius Parks and Tyree Boykin with 20 points each. Jeremiah Littlepage and Boe Nguidjol added 14 points each. Nguidjol added 12 rebounds to complete his double-double. Union shot 54 percent from the field, 36 percent (8-22) from 3-point range, and 78 percent (21-27) from the free throw line. 

Montevallo was led by Bertolette with 21 points. Shifflett and McNeil added 13 each, Gardner scored 12, and King scored 11 points. The Falcons shot 50 percent from the field, 48 percent (11-23) from long range, and 69 percent (9-13) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union will be a road game at Alabama Huntsville Saturday, January 15 at 4 p.m.

-UNION-