Union Men’s Basketball Drops Road Game Against Spartanburg Methodist

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Union Commonwealth University men's basketball team (8-13, 6-6 AAC) fell on the road to Spartanburg Methodist (4-14, 2-9 AAC), 76-60, Saturday night at Bridges Arena.

Senior forward Dallas Rufus led the Bulldogs with 20 points, shooting 7-of-14 from the field. Sophomore forward Jamarion Gaines added 13 points. Sophomore guard Jabari Covington and redshirt junior forward Kaleb Hedgpeth rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half: Spartanburg Methodist 28, Union Commonwealth 22

Spartanburg Methodist opened the game on a 13-4 run. After the teams traded baskets, the Pioneers pushed their lead back to nine points at 22-13 with 4:43 remaining in the half. Union closed the period by outscoring SMC 9-6 over the final stretch but trailed 28-22 at halftime.

Second Half: Spartanburg Methodist 76, Union Commonwealth 60

The Pioneers began the second half with a 9-0 run, fueled by three consecutive 3-pointers, to extend the lead to 37-22. The Bulldogs chipped away and cut the deficit to 55-50 with 6:15 left in the game. Spartanburg Methodist responded with a late surge to pull away and secure the 76-60 win.

UP NEXT

Union returns to the road Wednesday, Jan. 21, traveling to Bluefield, Va., to face Bluefield at Dome Gymnasium. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.