Union Women’s Basketball Dominates Montreat Behind Team Effort, 69-54

MONTREAT, N.C. - Union Commonwealth University's women's basketball team (4-11, 3-5 AAC) defeated Montreat (5-9, 3-5 AAC) on Saturday afternoon at McAlister Gymnasium, 69-54. 

The Bulldogs were unstoppable from beyond the arc, hitting 55.6% of their three-pointers, with every player contributing at least one steal and scoring.

Freshman forward Aymanni Wynn led Union with 16 points, going 3-for-3 from deep and adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Freshman forward Kylie Noe contributed 13 points on 66% shooting and led the team with 8 rebounds and 3 steals, along with 2 assists and 2 blocks. 

Sophomore guard Ella Coffey added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, while freshman guard Aniyah Carter finished with 10 points and 4 assists.

Senior guard Isis Rodgers added 7 points and 4 assists. 

How It Happened

First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 12, Montreat 4

Both teams opened with a scoreless stretch until Montreat struck first at the free-throw line at the seven-minute mark to take a 4-0 lead. Union responded with an 8-0 run behind inside baskets from Noe, Wynn, and Carter, holding Montreat scoreless for nearly five minutes. A fast-break layup by Coffey in the final seconds pushed the Bulldogs ahead 12-4 heading into the second quarter.

Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 28, Montreat 21

Union extended its lead early, going 3-for-4 at the free-throw line and continuing to score inside to build a double-digit advantage. The teams traded baskets as Montreat answered with a 3-pointer and inside scoring to cut the deficit, but Union responded with defensive pressure and transition points, capped by a fast-break three from Wynn. Montreat scored late to trim the margin, but the Bulldogs maintained a 28-21 lead into halftime.

Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 52, Montreat 38

Union opened strong, scoring consistently in the paint and at the free-throw line to build a double-digit lead for the second time. Wynn sparked the run with two 3-pointers, while Coffey, Carter, and Rodgers scored inside to keep Montreat under pressure. The teams traded baskets mid-quarter, with the Cavaliers making a late push aided by transition scoring. The Bulldogs answered with their own fast-break points, finishing the period with Carter and Rodgers scoring inside with 0:21 remaining. The Bulldogs led 52-38 going into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 69, Montreat 54

Union controlled the fourth quarter from start to finish, extending the lead with fast-break points, highlighted by a Coffey layup to build an 18-point advantage at 6:24, marking the largest margin of the game. Montreat made a late surge with transition baskets and outside shooting to cut the deficit to 11 with a couple minutes to spare, but Union closed strong with layups from Noe and Wynn, securing a 69-54 Bulldog victory.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will host Milligan on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 5:30p.m.