JACKSON, Tenn. – Union University improved from shooting 28 percent from the field in the first half to 44 percent in the second to defeat West Alabama 59-56 in Gulf South Conference Men's Basketball action at Fred DeLay Gymnasium on Saturday.

Union extends its win streak to five games while improving to 17-6 overall and 11-6 in GSC. West Alabama falls to 11-12 and 7-10.

Shooting woes plagued both teams in the first half. UWA edged out a 24-23 lead at halftime, shooting 9-of-26 (34 percent) from the field, while the Bulldogs were only 9-of-32. The Tigers also led from behind the arc, hitting three 3-point field goals (43 percent) in seven attempts. Union made just 1-of-9 (11 percent).

In the second half, the Tigers improved slightly to 13-of-32 from the field (40 percent). The Bulldogs heated up with 15-of-34 from the field, building its largest lead of 10 points with six minutes left to play. UWA closed in, sinking four of its final six shots before time ran out.

"The game slipped away in the final ten minutes, and we fought back in there at the end, but for about 30 minutes it could have gone either way," said Sharpe. "We just never made enough plays to pull away and they did. If we can't make layups and free-throws, then it doesn't matter how well we defend. If we hold them to 59 points we should be able win the game."

Marterrace Brock and Sergne Mboup combined for 36 of Union's points. Brock was 7-of-19 and 4-of-5 at the free-throw line to post 19 points. Mboup had 17, hitting 8-of-14.

Simeon Dennis led UWA with 13 points, shooting 5-of-8. Acie Vance followed with 12, and Dakari Mayo with 10. Mayo led the defense with five blocked shots and nine rebounds.   

West Alabama men's hoops remain on the road to take on Lee University in the third of a four game road swing on Thursday. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. (C.S.T.) in Cleveland, Tenn.