Union women’s basketball drops regular season finale at CBU

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Union University women’s basketball team lost to Christian Brothers University 84-57 Saturday afternoon.

According to a press release from Steven Aldridge, Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Communication – Union dropped to 15-5 on the season and in the Gulf South Conference while Christian Brothers improved to 5-9 overall and in league play.

Union won 97-79 at at CBU, Friday.

Christian Brothers came out strong and led 17-12 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Bulldogs cut the lead to four in the second quarter, but the Lady Bucs 36-29 at the half.

Union cut the lead to nine points in the fourth quarter but was unable to overcome Christian Brothers.

Union was led by Jaelencia Williams with 23 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Shanique Lucas scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds. The Lady Bulldogs shot 45 percent from the field, 24 percent (4-17) from three, and 50 percent (9-18) from the free throw line.

Christian Brothers was led by Brynne Lytle – Trinity Christian Academy – with 33 points and eight rebounds. Emily Jones – University School of Jackson – scored 29 points and Karlee Bates added 11. The Lady Bucs shot 48 percent from the field, 38 percent (13-34) from three, and 90 percent (9-10) from the free throw line.

Up next for the Lady Bulldogs is the quarterfinal round of the GSC Women’s Basketball Championships. Union is the number one seed in the GSC West and will host the GSC East number four seed, West Florida, Tuesday, March 2 at 5 p.m. in the Fred DeLay Gymnasium.

Union men’s basketball bounces back with win over CBU

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University men’s basketball team posted a 72-67 win over Christian Brothers University Saturday afternoon.

According to a press release from Steven Aldridge, Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Communication – Union improved to 11-7 overall and in the Gulf South Conference while Christian Brothers fell to 3-11 on the season and in conference play.

Union lost 69-66 at the buzzer to Christian Brothers, Friday.

Union head coach David Niven said, “We are excited to get one more chance to play at home this season. Our guys have overcome a lot this season. I am proud of them!”

Union won three of four games against Christian Brothers in the regular season.

Christian Brothers controlled the first half early, going up 18-7 with 11:58 on the clock. The Bulldogs worked their way back and tied the score three times but were unable to take the lead in the remainder of the half. The Bucs led 40-37 at the half.

Union opened the second half with Dusan Djordjevic and Hunter Vick combining for five quick points to take the lead 42-40 with 18:32 remaining. The Bulldogs never trailed again. Union led by as many as nine points in the second half. Christian Brothers tied the game, 49-49, with 15:04 left in the game and was later able to cut the deficit to three points. However, CBU was unable to take the lead. The Bulldogs went 5-6 from the free throw in the final minute to seal the 72-67 win.

Union was led by JC Hawkins with 15 points. Vick scored 13 points with four assists while Justin Debuck added 12 points and six assists. Djordjevic added 11 points. Tylandrius Parks led the Bulldogs with seven rebounds. Union shot 51 percent from the field, 43 percent (9-21) from three, and 71 percent (10-14) from the charity stripe.

Christian Brothers was led by Aiden Ruthsatz with 21 points. Daniel Loos scored 18 points while Nick Deifel added 16. Deifel led the team in rebounds with seven. The Bucs shot 51 percent from the field, 43 percent (9-21) from three, and 75 percent (6-8) from the free throw line.

Up next for the Bulldogs is the quarterfinal round of the GSC Men’s Basketball Championships. With Saturday’s win, Union clinched the 2-seed in the GSC West and will host the GSC East 3-seed, West Georgia, Tuesday, March 2 at 8 p.m. in the Fred DeLay Gymnasium.