The Union University women’s basketball team defeated Valdosta State University 74-54 Saturday at Fred DeLay Gymnasium/David Blackstock Court. Union, ranked No. 20 in the WBCA Coaches’ Poll and receiving votes in the D2SIDA Media Poll, improved to 17-3 overall and 15-3 in the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State, ranked No. 22 in the D2SIDA Media Poll and receiving votes in the WBCA Coaches’ Poll, dropped to 17-4 on the season and 16-3 in league play.
The win for Union was the sixth straight, while also stopping a four-game winning streak for Valdosta State. Union and VSU are now tied for second in the league standings.
Union’s Shanique Lucas opened the game with two layups. Samariah Thompson followed with a 3-pointer and Union led 7-1 early. Union dominated the first quarter, outscoring the Blazers 23-7.
Valdosta came out hot in the second quarter outscoring the Bulldogs 11-2 early. At the 5:51 minute mark, Union’s lead was cut to 25-18. Union closed the quarter on a 14-5 run to lead 39-22 at the break.
Union never trailed in the game and after controlling the third quarter 17-10, Union led 56-32 going into the fourth quarter. Union’s largest lead of the game was 26 points, 58-32, early in the fourth quarter and the Lady Bulldogs cruised to the 74-54 win.
VSU had 20 turnovers while Union had 17. Union edged VSU 32-31 in rebounds.
Union was led by Thompson with 16 points. Shanique Lucas added 15 points and led the team with four assists, while Lauren West added 13 points and four rebounds. Union was led on the boards by Naomi Van Nes with six rebounds. Union shot 47 percent from the field, 40 percent (8-20) from long range, and 87 percent (20-23) from the foul line.
Valdosta State was led by Taylor Searcey with 24 points and nine rebounds. Jirah Ards followed with 14 points and six rebounds. The Blazers shot 36 percent from the field, 24 percent (4-17) from long range, and 61 percent (14-23) from the foul line.
