HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Union University women's basketball pushed Alabama Huntsville to overtime Thursday evening, but the Bulldogs came up just short in an 88–84 Gulf South Conference loss at SportsMED Arena.

Union (9–5, 4–2 GSC) went toe-to-toe with the league's lone unbeaten conference team, leading for extended stretches and forcing overtime after a tightly contested four quarters that featured 18 ties and 21 lead changes.

The Bulldogs opened the game strong, using balanced scoring and defensive pressure to take an 18–16 lead after the first quarter. Union continued to trade punches in the second period, with Aryn Roberts knocking down a key three and the Bulldogs staying within one possession at halftime, trailing 36–35.

Union found its rhythm offensively in the third quarter, shooting 57 percent from the floor while Morgan Escobedo and Olivia Lee combined to spark a 22-point frame. The Bulldogs carried a 57–56 edge into the fourth and continued to answer every UAH run down the stretch.

With the score tied at 73–73 in the final seconds of regulation, Union forced overtime and briefly took control in the extra period. Escobedo drained a clutch three to give Union an 80–75 advantage, but UAH responded with timely baskets late to seal the four-point win.

Lee led Union with 18 points and added four rebounds and three assists while logging 39 minutes. Escobedo followed with 15 points, four assists, and four steals, while Nora Saffell contributed 14 points and three rebounds. Union received strong bench production from Roberts, who scored nine points on 4-of-6 shooting.

Union shot 45.1 percent from the field and scored 46 points in the paint, matching UAH's physicality throughout the contest. The Bulldogs also finished with 23 bench points and forced 15 Chargers turnovers.

The Lady Bulldogs look to bounce back against UWA on Sunday (1/2). To keep up with the squad, follow @UUBasketball on Instagram and Twitter.

-UNION-