MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Union University women's basketball team posted a 94-49 win at Auburn University at Montgomery Thursday night. Union, ranked No. 17 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll and receiving votes in the D2SIDA Media Poll, improved to 18-3 overall and 16-3 in the Gulf South Conference. Auburn Montgomery dropped to 7-17 on the season and 6-14 in league play. 

Union had already clinched a spot in the 2023 GSC Tourney, however this win clinched a home game in the quarterfinal round, Tuesday, February 28. Union also kept pace at one game back of the league leader with five regular season games remaining. 

After the first 3-plus minutes of play, Auburn Montgomery held a slim 8-7 lead over Union following a 3-pointer. Union responded with a 3-pointer from Lauren West at the 6:28 mark to take the lead and never looked back. Over the remainder of the quarter, Union outscored AUM 28-8 to lead 35-16 at the quarter break. Union shot 52 percent in the first quarter, including 62 percent (8-13) from 3-point range. 

Union slowed some offensively in the second quarter, but still added to its lead. Union outscored AUM 19-14 in the second quarter, while the Warhawks helped the cause a bit by scoring five of those 14 points in the final minute. Union led 54-30 at the break after leading by as many as 27 points in the half.

Union shot 50 percent in the first half, including 55 percent (11-20) from 3-point range in the first half. Bethany Dillard and West led with 12 points each, both hitting four 3-pointers. Union forced 17 turnovers in the first half. 

Union added 21 more points in the third quarter, while holding AUM to single digits with just eight. Union led 75-38 heading into the fourth quarter. Union outscored AUM 19-11 in the fourth. 

Union was led by Dillard with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting from behind the arc. West finished with 12 points and Shanique Lucas with 11 points. Twelve of the 13 players that played in the game for Union scored. Samariah Thompson and Shylee Morrison led with six assists. The Lady Bulldogs shot 46 percent from the field, 42 percent (18-43) from 3-point range, and 80 percent (12-15) from the free throw line. 

Auburn Montgomery was led by was led by Tyus with 12 points and Hollingsworth with 10 points. The Warhawks shot 35 percent from the field, 26 percent (5-19) from 3-point range, and 50 percent (6-12) from the foul line.

Up next for Union will be the second game on this road trip, a 4 p.m. game at Montevallo, Saturday, February 11. Listen locally at 93.1 FM or on Union's coverage webpage.

-UNION-