HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Union University men's basketball team lost 80-54 Friday evening at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Union dropped to 7-5 on the season and 3-3 in the Gulf South Conference. UAH, receiving votes in the latest NABC Coaches' Poll, improved to 10-3 overall and 5-2 in league play. 

In the early going, the game was played closely with a tie and a couple of lead changes. Union held its largest lead of 15-11 with 11:07 left in the first half. Over the next nine minutes, UAH outscored Union 25-3 to take an 18 point lead with 2:31 left in the half, 36-18. 

Union did not go away. A 3-pointer in the final seconds from  Will Lovings-Watts capped an 11-2 run for the Bulldogs to cut the deficit to 38-29 entering the locker room. 

In the second half, The teams played even through the first six minutes of play. UAH maintained its nine-point lead, 48-39. UAH pushed the lead to double figures for good on the next possession. UAH led by as many as 28 points in the final minute before taking the 80-54 final. 

Union was led by Mason McBride with 11 points and Jamiir Allen with 10 points. The Bulldogs shot just 32 percent from the field, 30 percent (8-27) from long range, and 57 percent (4-7) from the free throw line. 

UAH put four players in double figures led by Matthew Thurman with 18 points and eight rebounds. UAH shot 52 percent from the field, 36 percent (9-25) from 3-point range, and 81 percent (13-16) from the foul line. 

Up next for Union will be another tough road test, January 4 at 4 p.m. versus No. 18 West Alabama. 

-UNION-