JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team posted a 73-56 win over the University of West Alabama Saturday afternoon at Fred DeLay Gymnasium/David Blackstock Court. Union improved to 14-12 overall and 13-9 in the Gulf South Conference. West Alabama, ranked No. 18 in the NABC Coaches Poll and No. 17 in the D2SIDA Media poll, dropped to 21-5 on the season and 17-5 in league play. 

Union had already clinched a spot in the GSC Tournament, but this win helped with a chance at a better seed. It also snapped West Alabama's eight-game winning streak and dropped the Tigers out of sole possession of first place and into a tie for first in the league with two games remaining. Union  

The game started with both teams going back and forth. West Alabama's largest lead was two points several times early. UWA led for the final time at 14-12 with 9:12 left in the first half after a pair of free throws. Union posted a 9-0 run with three-pointers from Layne Sarver and Ivan Prug, and a 3-point play from Boe Nguidjol to lead 21-15. Union extended its lead to double figures, 27-15 when Nguidjol capped a 6-0 run with a dunk. Union's 34-21 halftime lead was its largest lead of the half. Union's defense held West Alabama to just five field goals in the first half. 

Union scored first on a Justin Debuck bucket to open the second half. West Alabama got as close as seven points, 45-38, following a 3-pointer with 11:57 left in the game. Union's Parks answered with a 3-point play to get the lead back to double figures. Union then pushed its lead into the 20s and led by as many as 22 points, 73-51, in the game. 

Union outrebounded West Alabama 35-31. West Alabama made 17 field goals and 19 free throws. 

Union was led by Parks with 22 points and seven rebounds. Boe Nguidjol added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Debuck added 10 points. Union shot 54 percent from the field, 33 percent (5-15) from 3-point range, and 76 percent (16-21) from the free throw line. 

West Alabama was led by Williams with 22 points and Allen with 14 points. The Tigers shot 32 percent from the field, 15 percent (3-20) from long range, and 83 percent (19-23) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union is a road trip to Lee and Shorter February 23 and 25 to close out the regular season. Listen locally on 93.1 FM or online from Union's coverage page. 

-UNION-