JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team posted an 87-56 win over Savannah State University Friday in the first round of the 2022 NCAA D2 National Championships. Union, the top seed in the South Region, improved 27-2 on the year. Savannah State, the region's eighth seed, ended its season with a 26-3 record.

The South Region is being played at Union University's Fred DeLay Gymnasium/David Blackstock Court. 

The win for Union was its 24th straight victory of the season, and 20th straight victory at home. 

Union head coach Mark Campbell said, "I was really proud of our defensive effort, from start to finish, from one through 15. It was probably the most well-rounded effort all season with several players all playing well at the same time."

Union advances to the second round of the national tournament for the fifth time, including its second straight second round appearance. 

Shanique Lucas scored first to give Union a quick 2-0 lead. However, back-to-back 3-pointers by Savannah State put the Tigers in the lead. Union then scored six straight points to regain the lead. Ashtyn Baker it a 3-pointer and Union led again, 11-8, this time for good. Union led 20-13 after the first quarter. 

In the second quarter, Savannah State cut the Union lead to just one point, 22-21 with 7:48 left. However, a layup from Jaelencia Williams sparked a 10-0 Union run. Union continued to push, and a layup from Baker at the halftime buzzer set the score at 43-23. 

Union's lead was 28 points at the end of the third, 67-39. In the fourth quarter, Union held its largest lead of 32 points three times, first at 72-40, with 8:14 left. The final time was 86-54 with 1:17 left. 

Union was led by Baker with 20 points, including 2-for-2 from long range. Seh added seven rebounds. Lucas scored 14 points, while Williams added 13 points and nine rebounds. Ten players scored in the game for Union. The Lady Bulldogs shot 57 percent from the field, 36 percent (5-14) from 3-point range, and 69 percent (20-29) from the free throw line. 

Savannah State was led by Ta'Kyla Austin with 22 points and LeAndrea Gillis with 11 points. Ta'quasia Lampkin added 10 rebounds. The Lady Tigers shot 31 percent from the field, 32 percent (6-19) from long range, and 52 percent (12-23) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union will be the region semifinal game versus 4-seed Florida Southern or 5-seed Eckerd, Saturday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at www.uuathletics.com/tickets. Fans can listen locally on 101.5 FM or watch online at www.uuathletics.com/coverage. 
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