JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's and women's basketball teams are set to clash with the University of West Florida (12/15) and Valdosta State University (12/17) this weekend at the Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Women's basketball will tip-off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by our men's basketball tip-off at 7:30 p.m. The games on Sunday will begin at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The #4 Lady Bulldogs will kick the weekend off versus the Argos of the University of West Florida, a matchup consisting of two teams in the top-five of the GSC Women's Basketball standings. Union comes into the matchup winning all nine of their games thus far and most recently defeating Christian Brothers with a season-high 72-point win margin. The Argos come into Jackson riding a 3-game win streak after defeating West Georgia 69-67. Union is ranked 1st nationally in scoring offense (101.1 PPG), Scoring Margin (35.4 points), and field goal percentage (49.5%). West Florida leads the GSC in rebounds per game (44.33 RPG), rebound Margin (11.1 rebounds), and blocks per game (5.2 blocks per game).

Union Women's Basketball will turn around on Sunday to face Valdosta State, who ranks T-4th in the GSC rankings. Valdosta State is also coming off a victory over the University of West Georgia by a score of 61-54. The Lady Bulldogs are very familiar with Valdosta State, as the two programs have met in the NCAA Division II South Regional for the past two seasons. The Blazers knocked Union out of the 2022 South Regional in the finals by a score of 66-58. Last season these two teams battled it out was in the first round of the 2022-23 NCAA Division II South Regional in which the Lady Bulldogs won 58-52. Valdosta State is set to take on Christian Brothers in Memphis this Friday before making the trip to Jackson.

Coach Mark Campbell had this to say about this weekend's games:

"This is always one of our biggest challenges within the GSC! Playing West Florida and Valdosta always gives us an idea of where we are. Playing against two great coaches and their talented teams will help us improve as we progress through the season. I am thankful to play in a conference that will prepare us as well."

Men's Basketball is set to take on the Argonauts who are coming off a 82-77 loss to the University of West Georgia. Union is led offensively by Ahmad Johnson (16.38 PPG), Jordan Pyke (12 PPG), and Jeremiah Littlepage (10.88 PPG). Littlepage is coming off a season-high outing versus Christian Brothers which produced 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. For West Florida, Xavier Washington has been their most consistent shooter. Washington is averaging 16 points per game and 8 rebounds per game. 

History between these two programs has been nearly even, as the series is led by West Florida 9 to 8. Last season the Bulldogs played West Florida down to the wire at home, losing 85-79. Union's last win over the Argonauts came in their first meeting of the 2022-23 season, winning 69-63.

Union will then take on the 8th place team in the GSC Men's Basketball standings, Valdosta State University, on Sunday. The Bulldogs split last season's series last year with Valdosta State. Their last meeting in Jackson produced a 1-point overtime loss (103-102). The Blazers are coming off a loss to the University of West Georgia (97-74). Before coming to town, Valdosta State will play Christian Brothers on Friday night in Memphis. 

Coach David Niven had this to say about this weekend's games:

"We need to find a way to play better. I expect both of our opponents to be physical and athletic. It's important that we can show signs of making progress on the defensive end as well as finding some consistency on offense."

General admission is free for all basketball games this season courtesy of FirstBank. 

-UNION-