JACKSON, Tenn. – The Bulldogs defeated Lee University by a score of 84-68. Union’s record improves to 13-14 (10-13 GSC) while Lee University’s record falls to 18-9 overall (16-7 GSC).
Union came into the game as one of three teams on the bubble to make the GSC tournament in Birmingham, Ala. The University of Montevallo sits in 8th place with a 10-13 conference record. Union and Valdosta State University are tied in 9th place with a 9-13 conference record. To make the tournament the Bulldogs would have to jump Montevallo for the eighth and final spot in the tournament.
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 18-4 lead over the Flames in the first ten minutes of action. Impressive Freshman Jordan Pyke tallied seven points in that time (3-4 FG, 1-1 3PT FG). Parker Applegate was active on the boards, leading Union with four boards. Union went on a 10-0 run before Lee’s Makhi McGuire got to the rim for a layup.
The Flames answered with a 10-0 run of their own, led by Tim Vaughn, who knocked down a corner three-pointer to pull the Flames back within 12 points. Parker Applegate ended the Flame’s streak with a layup, helping Union keep a double-digit lead. Tim Vaughn knocked down back-to-back free throws to narrow the Bulldog lead down to eight with 50 seconds left in the game. Justin Debuck knocked down a jumper as the shot clock expired to give Union a nine-point advantage going into intermission.
In the first ten minutes of the second half, Union extended their lead to as many as 17 before allowing the Flames to pull within 11 points. Ahmad Johnson caught fire against the Flames, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers, pushing his point total to 12. The Bulldog’s Lane Sarver was a perfect 4-4 from downtown half way through the second half. Union, in hopes of winning out for an opportunity to go to Birmingham, clung to a 13-point lead with eight minutes remaining in the game.
Ahmad Johnson got a major and-one put back to fall with just over six minutes remaining in the game. Union’s lead pushed to 18 after Johnson converted the shot at the line. Lee pulled within 10 after a turnover by the Bulldogs offense, quickly answered by Pyke at the rim. Pyke went up and under for a finger roll reverse finish and an and-one conversion. Tim Vaughn continued to show up for the Flames offense, collecting 16 points off of 6-9 shooting.
Ahmad Johnson padded the Bulldog lead with a three-pointer, assisted by Devaki Garr, giving Union a 13-point lead. Pyke then found his way to the rim for his 18th and 19th points. Union held on through the final three minutes of the game to pick up their 10th conference victory. The win over Lee keeps Union alive for a post season opportunity in Birmingham.
Union shot 50.9 percent from the floor tonight, including 68.8 percent from the three-point line. Ahmad Johnson ended with 26 points, leading all scorers in the game. Johnson eclipsed 1,000 career points in the victory. Jeremiah Littlepage and Jordan Pyke both tallied eight rebounds, leading the Bulldogs. Garr had a team-high in assists with six. Lane Sarver and Johnson both knocked down four triples in Union’s impressive offensive showing.
The Bulldogs senior night is on Saturday, March 2. Union will take on Shorter University at 4:00 p.m.
