JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team fell 72-68 in overtime to Lee University Saturday afternoon at Fred DeLay Gymnasium/David Blackstock Court. Union, ranked No. 20 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll, dropped to 11-3 overall and 9-3 in the Gulf South Conference. Lee, ranked No. 16 in the D2SIDA Media Poll, improved to 14-2 on the season and 12-0 in league play. 

Not only was it a matchup of two ranked nationally ranked teams and a matchup of the previous two GSC Title games (Union winning both of those), but it was also a matchup of two of the top coaches in college basketball. Union head coach Mark Campbell remained at 697 career wins, while Lee head coach Marty Rowe now has 608 career wins. Combined, the two coaches have a combined 1,305 career wins. Both coaches ranked in the top 10 among active D2 coaches in wins and winning percentage.

Lee led 30-24 and pushed out to its largest lead of 16 points, 49-33, with 2:44 left in the third. Union proved it was not going away. Union went on an 8-0 run and outscored Lee 8-2 to close the quarter, cutting the deficit to 51-41. 

To open the fourth quarter with a three-pointer, seeming to regain control. Union scored eight straight to cut the deficit to 54-49, but again, Lee extended its lead back to nine points, 58-49, with 5:14 left. 

Union then stormed all the way back with nine straight points to tie the game at 58-58 with 1:18 left. Lee took the lead with a couple of free throws, followed by a layup from Union's Samariah Thompson to tie the game again at 60-60 with 25 seconds left. Lee had the ball for a last shot, but a turnover ended the possession. Union has a final chance with one second but did not get a shot off. 

In overtime was made up of two runs. Union had the first run, an 8-0 start to the period including a 3-pointer from Lauren West. Union led 68-60 with 3:45 left. However, Lee closed the overtime with a 12-0 run to win 72-68. 

Lee outrebounded Union 40-31, including 11-7 offensively. Turnovers were plenteous, but even, with 18 for Lee and 17 for Union. 

Union was led by Shanique Lucas with 2 2points and nine rebounds. Thompson added 12 points and West scored 10 points. Union shot 41 percent from the field, 29 percent (7-24) from the 3-point line, and 72 percent (13-18) from the free-throw line. Union was just 1-10 from 3-point range in the first half. 

Lee was led by 27 points while Macy Woodworth added 10 points. The Lady Flames shot 44 percent from the field, 32 percent (6-19) from long range, and 71 percent (12-17) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union is a GSC road trip to Mississippi, playing at Delta State January 12 and Mississippi College January 14. Listen locally on 93.1 FM or online at www.uuathletics.com/coverage.
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