Stat Sheet Advantage Not Enough as Union Drops Spartanburg, 65-75

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Union Commonwealth University's women's basketball team (4-14, 3-8 AAC) fell to Spartanburg Methodist College (10-7, 5-5 AAC) on Saturday afternoon at Bridges Arena, 65-75. 

Union shot 51 percent from the field to Spartanburg's 49.1 percent and connected on 47 percent of its three-pointers compared with 42.1 percent for the Pioneers. The Bulldogs also out-rebounded Spartanburg 31-24.

Freshman forward Kylie Noe led Union with 16 points and nine rebounds, shooting 60 percent from the field and adding two blocks and a steal. Freshman forward Aymanni Wynn added 13 points and five rebounds, while sophomore guard Ella Coffey finished with 12 points and three rebounds. Senior guard Isis Rodgers contributed eight points, five rebounds and four steals.

How It Happened

First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 20, Spartanburg Methodist 18

Union came out strong as Coffey scored on a layup within seconds of the opening tip. The teams traded baskets for much of the quarter, and after multiple lead changes and two ties, Coffey sparked a run with a 3-pointer before Wynn and junior guard Rachel Smith followed with back-to-back triples to give Union an 11-7 lead midway through the period. The Pioneers tied the game late, but Noe finished inside in the final seconds to send Union into the second quarter ahead 20-18.

Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 36, Spartanburg Methodist 38

Union opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer from sophomore center Lindsey Pirkle to extend its lead, but Spartanburg responded with a run fueled by turnovers and free throws to move back in front. The lead changed hands several times, with Union briefly regaining the advantage behind baskets from Wynn and Rodgers. Spartanburg closed the half at the free-throw line, as Union trailed 36-38 going into the break.

Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 50, Spartanburg Methodist 56

Union came out of the third quarter strong, with Noe hitting a jump shot to spark a 9-0 run capped by baskets from Wynn and Coffey, forcing a Spartanburg timeout. The Bulldogs took their largest lead of the game at 6:40 when Noe scored again to make it 45-38. Spartanburg responded with a series of layups and 3-pointers to reclaim the lead, finishing the quarter on a late 6-0 run and carrying a 56-50 advantage over Union into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 65, Spartanburg Methodist 75

Union struggled to cut into Spartanburg's lead in the fourth quarter as the Pioneers quickly extended their advantage. Spartanburg built a double-digit lead early, scoring on a series of layups and 3-pointers to make it 62-50 at the 6:40 mark. Union fought back with baskets from Noe, Wynn, and Rodgers, including a late 3-pointer from Rodgers with 17 seconds left, but Spartanburg held on, closing the game with a 75-65 victory over the Bulldogs.

Up Next

Union will continue their road trip at Bluefield University on Wednesday, Jan. 21, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. at the Dome Gymnasium.