Bulldogs Maintain Steady Surge to Top Truett

CLEVELAND, Ga. - Union Commonwealth University's women's basketball team (3-8, 2-4 AAC) defeated Truett McConnell (2-7, 1-5 AAC) on Saturday afternoon at  Benjamin F. Brady Arena, 65-73. 

Freshman forward Kylie Noe led the Bulldogs with 20 points, adding 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Sophomore center Lindsey Pirkle contributed 18 points along with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal, while freshman forward Aymanni Wynn led the team with 6 assists and also added a block and a steal.

Union shot an efficient 45% from the field, with almost every player on the bench contributing, and key stats well distributed across the roster.

How It Happened

First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 19, Truett McConnell 12

Union shook off a slow start and an early 4–0 deficit before finding its rhythm late in the first quarter against Truett McConnell. After Noe got the Bulldogs on the board, Pirkle provided a major spark off the bench—hitting two free throws, grabbing a steal, draining a three to tie it, and converting a three-point play to give Union its first lead. Strong defense, highlighted by multiple blocks from sophomore point guard Sarah Smith, kept the Bears off balance, and late baskets from junior guard Rachel Smith and freshman guard Aniyah Carter helped Union close the quarter with momentum.. Union outpaced Truett McConnell down the stretch to take a 19–12 lead into the second.

Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 38, Truett McConnell 30

Union opened the second quarter with strong defense and timely scoring, using a layup from Pirkle and a three from Rachel Smith to build a double-digit lead. The Bulldogs capitalized on turnovers, turning steals from sophomore guard Ella Coffey and sophomore point guard Emrey Glover into points as Noe fueled a 31–19 advantage. Truett put together a small run to cut the margin to seven, but Union answered quickly with a three from Glover and a late Pirkle finish to take a 38–30 lead into halftime.

Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 55, Truett McConnell 48

Union opened the third quarter strong with back-to-back layups from Wynn and Noe to take a 42–33 lead. The Bulldogs forced multiple turnovers, turning them into points as Wynn, Noe, and senior guard Isis Rodgers kept the offense rolling. Truett McConnell stayed in it behind Brinkley Kate Reed's shooting, but Union answered every run. Noe continued to dominate inside, and Carter knocked down a big three to push the lead to 55–47. The Bulldogs carried a 55–48 lead into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 73, Truett McConnell 65

The Bulldogs and the Bears traded baskets in a back-and-forth fourth quarter, with Truett staying within striking distance throughout. Union built separation on a scoring run fueled by points in the paint and key free throws from multiple contributors. Truett mounted a late push, but the Bulldogs' disciplined defense and timely turnovers kept them in control. Union ultimately secured the 73-65 win behind balanced scoring and strong team play down the stretch.

Up Next

Union women's basketball will host Reinhardt on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Robsion Arena. Tip off is set for 5:30pm.