BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Union University men's basketball team defeated Lee University 67-63 in the 2022 Gulf South Conference Tournament Semifinals presented by TicketSmarter. Second-seed Union improved to 23-7 on the season, while Lee dropped to 19-9 overall. 

The win gives Union its first trip to the GSC Title game since joining the league in 2012-13. Union's record in GSC Semifinal games moves to 1-2. 

Union head coach David Niven said, "I am so proud of these guys. WE really defended well as a team from start to finish. It was a great team defensive effort. WE are excited to have the chance to represent Union and play for a championship tomorrow."

The game was close the entire way with Union leading for just over 28 total minutes. Union took the lead for good on a layup from Boe Nguidjol with 6:44 left in the game, 51-50. That layup started an 11-0 run, ending with a 3-pointer from Tyree Boykin making it 60-50 with 3:38 left in the game. 

Lee did not go away, roaring back to pull to within two points following a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left to play. Union's Hunter Vick then sank two free throws with 10 seconds left. Lee missed on a final attempt as the clock expired. 

Union's largest lead in the game was 10 points twice in the second half, while Lee's largest lead was five points early in the second half. 

Union led 31-27 at the half as both teams scored 36 points in the second half. 

Both teams grabbed 41 rebounds in the game and both teams committed 12 turnovers. 

The game started with Union scoring on its first possession after getting the opening tip. Neither team scored for the next five-plus minutes. With Union leading 2-0 after the first media timeout, Lee got its first basketball, a 3-pointer to take a brief lead. Union answered back with a couple baskets from Mikail Simmons and JC Hawkins to lead 6-3. Union took its largest lead of the first half, 13-7, following a driving layup from Justin Debuck. Lee got as close as one point later in the first half a few times, including 28-27 with 1:36 left. Union got a 3-point play from Jeremiah Littlepage with 52 seconds left. Littlepage's nine points led all scorers at the break. Union led 31-27 at the half. 

Union shot just 36 percent from the field in the first half, including just 2-of-12 from 3-point range. Lee was 39 percent from the field and 3-of-8 from long range. Led edged Union in first half rebounds, 21-19, both teams with seven offensive boards each. 

Union was led by Boykin with 18 points. Littlepage added 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Vick scored 12 points. Eight players scored for Union. Union shot 41 percent from the field, 24 percent (5-21) from 3-point range, and 78 percent (14-18) from the free throw line. 

Lee was led by PJay Smith with 19 points including 5-of-7 from 3-point range. Beyuan Hendricks added 12 points and Quay Kennedy scored 10 points. The Flames shot 36 percent from the field, 33 percent (9-27) from 3-point range, and 100 percent (4-4) from the foul line.

Union advances to the GSC title game, Sunday, March 6 at 3:05 versus 4-seed Alabama Huntsville at the Pete Hanna Center on the campus of Samford University. Listen locally on 101.5 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/coverage. 

-UNION-