PENSACOLA, Fla. – Union flipped the script Thursday night to open up the weekend against UWF.
After falling to West Florida earlier this season, the Bulldogs delivered a statement road performance at UWF Field House, defeating the Argonauts 85-69 behind a dominant first half and a career-type effort from Terrence Ringo Jr.
Union (10-15, 6-13 GSC) seized control early and never looked back. The Bulldogs shot 53 percent in the first half and built a commanding 40-24 lead at the break, holding West Florida to just 30 percent shooting over the opening 20 minutes.
Ringo Jr. set the tone from the opening tip and was nearly unstoppable in the paint. The senior finished with 31 points on 11-of-15 shooting and pulled down a massive 16 rebounds for a double-double, consistently winning second-chance opportunities and controlling the glass on both ends.
Union outrebounded UWF 43-28 for the game.
The Bulldogs extended their lead to as many as 23 points in the second half, fueled by strong interior play and timely perimeter shots. Union scored 40 points in the paint and added 12 second-chance points, showcasing physicality and composure in a tough road environment.
Sam Youngblood added 15 points and six rebounds, while Jamiir Allen provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, knocking down four three-pointers. Mason McBride chipped in 12 points as Union placed four players in double figures.
West Florida (20-7, 13-6 GSC) made a push midway through the second half, trimming the deficit to 10, but Union responded each time. The Bulldogs were especially sharp at the free throw line down the stretch, shooting 89 percent in the second half and 83 percent for the game to close out the win.
In a matchup that featured three ties and two lead changes early, Union's defensive intensity and rebounding edge proved to be the difference.
The win marks a significant road victory for the Bulldogs and a strong response against a West Florida squad that had previously handed them a loss earlier this season.
Union will go to Valdosta State for a 3:00 p.m. tip off on Saturday. To keep up with the squad, follow @UUAthleticsMB on Instagram and Twitter.
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