Link to GSC Championships

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Union University women's basketball team defeated Lee University 76-68 in the title game of the 2023 Gulf South Conference Championships. Union improved to 26-3 on the season, while Lee dropped to 25-6 overall. 

The two teams will both advance to the NCAA D2 National Championships starting next week with the regional rounds. Union earned the conference's automatic bid, while Lee will earn one of the five al-large bids. 

This marks the third straight year that Union and Lee have met in the GSC title game, dating back to 2021. It marked the fourth straight GSC Tournament Title for Union and sixth overall in the nine years of being in the GSC. Union's record is now 6-1 in GSC Title games. 

Union head coach Mark Campbell said, " Really well played game, both teams played extremely hard. We really executed in the fourth (quarter), made some big shots the entire game. I thought our bench was the key tonight, scoring 33 points off of it. Proud of the journey and our players buying into the value of the group. They love each other and they love being with each other. As a coach, that is very satisfying, more satisfying than the win."

Lee's Haley Schubert opened the game with a layup and the teams played even for first first two minutes, at a 4-4 score. Union then posted a 10-0 run including 3-pointers from Bethany Dillard and Lauren West to run out to a 14-4 lead. Union led by 10 two more time in quarter before taking a 25-16 lead at the end of one. Shylee Morrison sank a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded. 

Morrison opened the second with jumper to give Union its largest lead of 11 points. Union led by 11 twice in the quarter. Lee kept cutting into the deficit and at the half, trailed 40-34. 

In the third, Lee kept coming and at the 5:01 mark, tied the game at 45-45 on a pair of free throws. The teams went back and forth for the remainder of the third with Lee holding a 54-53 lead heading to the fourth. 

Leah Church opened the fourth with a 3-pointer putting Union back on top. Lee responded and pushed out to a 60-57 lead with 6:35 left, its largest of the afternoon. Union posted an 8-0 run to take the lead for good. After a pair of free throws with five seconds left, Union pushed its lead back to double figures, 76-56. Lee made a late basket to set the final margin at eight points. 

Union was led by Samariah Thompson with 16 points including 8-for-8 from the foul line. Shanique Lucas and Lauren West scored 15 points each. West was 3-of-6 from 3-point range. Union got seven apiece from Bethany Dillard and Shylee Morrison in the game. Union shot 41 percent from the field, 35 percent (6-17) from long range, and 79 percent (22-28) from the foul line. 

Lee was led by Macey Woodworth with 19 points, while Mallory Hampton and Haley Schubert added 17 points each. The Lady Flames shot 41 percent from the field, 7 percent (1-13) from long range, and made all 23 free throws. 

Union will find out where and the next opponent tonight at 9:30 p.m. central time when the national tournament field in announced at NCAA.com.

-UNION-