CLEVELAND, Tenn. - The Union University men's basketball team lost 83-74 at Lee University Thursday evening. Union dropped to 7-9 overall and 3-7 in the Gulf South Conference. Lee improved to 7-7 on the season and 4-6 in league play. 

Union exploded for 50 second half points as they attempted to rally from a first half deficit. Union outscored Lee 50-44 in the final half. 

The teams were close early with Lee holding a small lead and Union forcing a few ties. However, with Lee up 20-16 at the 7:20 mark, the Flames closed the half with a 19-8 run to go to the locker room up 39-24. Lee led by as many as 19 points, 37-18 in the first half. 

In the second half, Union began the comeback attempt, getting as close a six points a few times early. The last coming just five minutes in to play, down 48-42. Union outscored Lee 22-11 over those first five minutes. 

Lee withstood the first push for Union and pushed its lead back to double figures. Again, Union surged back and this time, got as close at five points, 60-55, with 9:52 left to play. Lee, however, responded and pushed its lead back to 15 points. Union had one last push, cutting the deficit to seven points down the stretch, but ran out of time. 

Union was led by Terrence Ringo, Jr. with 30 points and 14 rebounds The reigning GSC and TSWA Player of the week recorded his sixth double-double of the season. Will Lovings-Watts added 18 points and Jamiir Allen scored 11. Union shot 44 percent from the field, 25 percent (5-20) from long range, and 77 percent (17-22) from the foul line. 

Lee was led by Ben Ritger with 33 points, including five 3-pointers. Dayveun Anderson added 19 points. The Flames shot  44 percent from the field, 32 percent (8-25) from 3-point range, and 79 percent (19-24) from the free throw line. 

Up next for Union will be a road game in Nashville, Saturday, January 17 at 4 p.m. versus Trevecca. 

-UNION-