JACKSON, Tenn. – Union University posted 11 three-point field goals in 22 attempts to defeat the University of West Alabama women's basketball team 83-56 in Gulf South Conference action at Fred DeLay Gymnasium Thursday.
The Bulldogs, who entered the game as the NCAA leader with 11.4 three-point field goals per game, also had more success in the paint, outscoring the Tigers 28-20.
It was the third straight victory for Union, who remains undefeated at home, to improve to 8-1 overall and 4-1 in the GSC. West Alabama drops its fourth straight to fall to 4-5 and 1-4.
After taking a 41-30 lead at the half, the Bulldogs went on an 11-0 point run to take its largest lead of 28 points midway through the second half, while holding the Tigers to 26 points in the half.
"That's two games in a row we've given up almost identical numbers," said UWA head coach
Rusty Cram. "We're hanging our heads a little bit and not playing smart defense. We're also not scoring enough points. I thought they did a good job of taking our best two players out of the game. That's just what happens when you play one of the best teams in the country."
Amy Philamlee, the nation's second assist per game leader and the conference scoring leader, totaled 22 points and 11 assists. She made her first four three-pointers on her way to shooting 5-for-6; 7-for-13 overall from the field.
DeAnna Thompson came off bench to scored 17 points. The Union reserves combined for 34 points and limited UWA's bench to 10.
Kelcia Bufkin scored a season-high 21 points, matching her season high of 14 points in the opening 10 minutes of the game, shooting 4-for-6 from the 3-point line. She finished 5-for-10 from the arc.
Britney McCloud shot 7-for-12 inside the perimeter, adding 16 points.
Sheila Washington matched her season high of five assists.
UWA outrebounded the Lady Bulldogs 46-38, led by McCloud with nine. All 13 Tigers who played came away with at least one board.
"It's not a question of playing hard. Our kids are playing hard," Cram said. "We just need to stay focused and disciplined on the court."
West Alabama will close out its GSC road trip against Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Canale Arena.
