Union Drops Back-and-Forth Battle to Columbia International
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CIU (SC) (5-11, 3-7) | 15 | 14 | 12 | 21 | 62 |
|
Union Commonwealth (4-13, 3-7) | 19 | 19 | 7 | 10 | 55 |
BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - Union Commonwealth University's women's basketball team (4-13, 3-7 AAC) fell to Columbia International University (11-5, 8-1 AAC) on Saturday afternoon at Robsion Arena, 55-62.
Freshman forward Kylie Noe led the Bulldogs with 20 points, shooting a perfect mark from the free-throw line and 57% from the field.
Senior guard Isis Rodgers paced the team on the boards with seven rebounds. Rodgers and freshman guard Aniyah Carter each recorded four assists and four steals.
Junior guard Rachel Smith added 11 points.
How It Happened
First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 19, Columbia International 15
Both teams traded baskets to open the first quarter, with Union staying within striking distance early. The Bulldogs seized momentum midway through the period as Smith buried back-to-back 3-pointers at the 4:26, marking their first lead. Union closed the quarter at the free-throw line, with Noe converting twice to take a 19–15 advantage while holding CIU scoreless over the final minute.
Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 38, Columbia International 29
Union and CIU traded baskets early in the second quarter, with Rodgers, sophomore center Lindsey Pirkle, and sophomore point guard Emrey Glover converting key finishes inside and from midrange. Smith knocked down another timely 3-pointer to spark a Bulldogs run, and Union repeatedly answered CIU scoring to maintain control. Strong interior defense and late buckets, highlighted by sophomore guard Ella Coffey, pushed Union to a 38–29 lead at halftime.
Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 45, Columbia International 41
The Rams opened the third quarter with a push, trimming Union's halftime lead with a strong stretch that cut the margin to one midway through the period. After a Bulldogs timeout, Union settled in behind Noe, who scored key baskets in the paint to halt the momentum swing. Union closed the quarter strong to regain control and carry a 45–41 lead into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 55, Columbia International 62
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle as the Rams chipped away at the Bulldogs' lead. CIU stayed aggressive on offense, hitting key layups and free throws while forcing turnovers and limiting Union's scoring opportunities. Despite a late push from Union, the Rams maintained control and pulled away, leaving the Bulldogs to fall 62–55.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will hit the road Wednesday, Jan. 14, to take on Reinhardt University at 5:30 p.m. at the Brown Athletic Center.
Click here to see the Baymont Inn Player of the Game.
