JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team defeated Auburn University Montgomery 82-67 Saturday afternoon at Fred DeLay Gymnasium/David Blackstock Court. Union improved to 13-3 overall and a league best 8-0 in the Gulf South Conference. Auburn Montgomery dropped to 5-8 on the season and 0-7 in league play. 

Union is ranked No. 18 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll and No. 11 in the D2SIDA Media Poll. 

Union led by as many as 32 points in the game, dominating the first three quarters. Union led by 29 points after the third quarter.

Union scored the first nine points of the game capped by a 3-pointer from Bethany Dillard. Dillard scored five of the first nine for Union. Union stretched its lead to 22-12 at the end of the first quarter. 

Emily Beard Dunnagan and Ashtyn Baker opened the second quarter with buckets, followed by a 3-pointer from Leah Cauble as Union scored the first seven points of the quarter. Union led 45-25 at the half. 

In keeping with the same theme, Union opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run including another 3-pointer from Dillard. Beard Dunnagan hit her fourth 3-pointer of the night for her 20th point to give Union its largest lead of the evening at 59-27. After a person 4-0 run by freshman Shylee Morrison at the end of the third quarter, Union led 69-40. 

Union scored first in the fourth quarter on basket from Bailey Augustine. But this time, AUM did let Union make a run. Jordan Brewster for AUM was a bright spot for her squad as she hit her seventh 3-pointer of the game with 1:54 left to pull her team to within 17 points, 81-64.  Leah Cauble hit two of her three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping Union cruise to the win. 

Union was led by Beard Dunnagan with a season high 20 points including 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range. Jaelencia Williams added 11 points and Shanique Lucas scored 10. Ten players scored for Union. Union shot 55 percent from the field, 48 percent (10-21) from 3-point range, and 53 percent (8-15). 

Auburn Montgomery was led by Brewster with 21 points on seven three pointers. Dudley added 17 points and Willingham with 13 points. The Warhawks shot 51 percent from the field, 52 percent (13-25) from 3-point range, and was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union will be a second of three straight home games, Thursday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m. versus West Florida. 

-UNION-