MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The Union University women's basketball team posted a 74-70 win at the University of Montevallo Thursday night. Union improved to 12-2 overall and 7-0 in the Gulf South Conference. Montevallo dropped to 7-10 on the season and 3-6 in league play. 

Union is ranked No. 19 in the most recent WBCA Coaches' Poll and No. 11 in the D2SIDA Media Poll. 

Montevallo jumped out to a 6-0 lead to start the game. A three pointer from Union's Bethan Dillard got Union on the board just over two minutes into play. A layup two minutes later by Jaelencia Williams capped a 7-0 run for Union to take its first lead. A Shanique Lucas 3-pointer at the buzzer gave Union a 20-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Montevallo controlled the second quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field, including 2-of-4 from long range to take a 39-29 lead with 1:51 left in the second. Union closed the half with a 6-0 run to cut its halftime deficit to 39-35. 

Union added to its 6-0 run to end the first half with a 9-0 run to start the second half. After the 15-0 run, Union led 44-39 at the 6:56 mark of the third quarter. Montevallo scored its first points of the second half on free throws at the 6:44 mark. Those points sparked a 10-0 run for the Falcons, regaining the lead. However, Union rallied back to tie the game, 54-54 at the end of three quarters. 

In the fourth quarter, Montevallo took the lead for a final time on a free throw, 55-54. Union got a 3-pointer from Samariah Thompson and the Lady Bulldogs did not trail again. Another basket from Thompson with 2:58 left gave Union its largest lead of the night, 70-64. Montevallo make a late 3-pointer, but Union hit 4-of-6 free throws down the stretch to seal the win. 

Union was led by Jaelencia Williams with her fifth double-double of the season on 20 points and 12 rebounds. Bethany Dillard continued her recent scoring surge, finishing with 16 points including three 3-pointers. Emily Beard Dunnagan added 12 points. Union shot 46 percent from the field, 29 percent (9-31) from long range, and 65 percent (11-17) from the free throw line. 

Montevallo was led by Flack with 25 points and 13 rebounds, both game highs. Jones, McLeod, and Lee each added 10 points. Snodgrass dished out 10 assists. The Falcons shot 37 percent from the field, 27 percent (6-22) from 3-point range, and 83 percent (10-12) from the free throw line. 

A schedule change has altered Union's Saturday game. The game at Alabama Huntsville has been postponed due to GSC's COVID protocols. However, Union will be playing at home at 5 p.m. versus Auburn Montgomery, a game rescheduled from this past Saturday. 

-UNION-