JACKSON, Tenn. – The No. 5/6 Lady Bulldogs come from behind to knock off Lee University In overtime by a score of 98-95. Union’s record improves to 17-1 overall (11-1 GSC) while Lee’s record falls to 10-6 overall (8-4 GSC).
Coming into the matchup, Lee was undefeated at home on the season with an 8-0 record. The Lady Bulldogs were flawless on the road with an 8-0 record.
Union is 17-9 all-time against the Lady Flames and 5-5 when visiting Cleveland. Most recently the Lady Bulldogs defeated Lee in Cleveland 76-68 on March 5, 2023 (GSC title game).
Lee University held a 2-point lead going into halftime in Cleveland, led by Anna Muhonen who had nine of her team’s 38 points in the first half. Union’s Macey Lee led the Bulldogs with 12 points in the first half. Union shot 37% in the first half compared to Lee’s 55.6% shooting percentage. Union struggled from deep, shooting 5-15. The Lady Flames were able to take advantage of good shooting opportunities from beyond the arc, shooting 50% from three-point range.
Olivia Lee, who scored 8 points of her own in the first half, led Union in the second half comeback with 10 more points. Lee’s largest lead stretched to six points with under 1:30 left in the game (81-75). The Lady Flames only scored one point in the final moments of the game, opening up the door for a Lady Bulldog comeback. With the final possession of the game, Olivia Lee drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer tying the game at 82.
Shanique Lucas took over in overtime, scoring 11 points in the final five minutes of play. Lucas was 9 of 11 in free throws during the overtime period, sealing the Union victory. Free throws were the story of this game, with Union breaking both the free throws made and attempted record per game school record (previously 34 FT made, 43 attempted). Union made 44 out of 57 total free throws for the game (77.2%) while Lee only converted 18 out of 29 free throws (62.1%).
Lee had five players score in double-digits, led by Haylee Johnson who had 19 points. Mallor Hampton also had a solid afternoon for the Lady Flames with 15 points, 2 rebounds, and six assists.
Olivia Lee and Shanique Lucas led the Lady Bulldogs in scoring with 19 points each. Lucas led Union on the boards with 8 rebounds for the game. Jazalyn Anousinh added 5 assists to her GSC-leading 95 total assists. Macey Lee and Lauren West also scored double-digits in the game with 16 and 13 points respectively.
Coach Campbell’s comments after the victory:
“Really hard fought game. Lee did a great job of attacking us off the bounce and there was a struggle to get flow throughout. Olivia really stepped up tonight and others played more minutes tonight because of foul trouble. We need nights like this and our team responded well. Love our effort and the plays that were made down the stretch.”
The Lady Bulldogs will return home on January 18th to put their 7-game win streak on the line versus Delta State. General admission will be free courtesy of FirstBank. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
