JACKSON, Tenn. --- The MC women's basketball team fell in Gulf South Conference play to Union University, 84-53, at Fred DeLay Gymnasium on Thursday, Jan. 22. The Choctaws move to 6-11 on the season and 5-7 in the conference. Union improves to 13-7 and 8-4 in the league.
 
The Blue and Gold totaled 44 boards in the contest, its sixth effort this season with 40 or more rebounds and second against Union. The rebound total is the second most this season, five shy of its season high.
 
Keller Bigham led the team with 13 points and collected 11 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass to notch her first double-double of the season. The Warren, Ark., native, becomes the second MC player with a double-double this season as she joins Valencia McFall, who contributed nine points and posted two blocks. Mc Fall has three double-doubles on the campaign.
 
Union capitalized on efficient shooting to outpace MC in the opening quarter. The Bulldogs seven field goals on 15 attempts, including a trio of 3-pointers, contributed to their early control. Meanwhile, MC struggled from the floor, hitting only four of 21 attempts but managed with nine points off the bench and 13 rebounds, including nine offensive.
 
UU continued its hot perimeter shooting, hitting five 3-pointers to extend their lead in the second quarter. MC forced the Bulldogs into five turnovers and scoring eight points in the paint, but trailed 43-24 at the intermission
 
Both teams struggled with ball control in the third period, combining for 14 turnovers, seven on each side, but Union's dominance on the boards, highlighted by a 13-8 rebounding advantage, contributed to their scoring opportunities. MC's shooting struggles continued in the final stanza as it hit just 25 percent from the field and was out-rebounded.
 
Olivia Lee led UU with 27 points and contributed 10 rebounds. Maddie Gray added 11 points, including three 3-pointers, while distributing three assists. Katie Yoder added 10 points, featuring two blocks and two 3-pointers.
 
MC returns to action on Tuesday, Jan. 27 as it travels back to the Volunteer State to take on Christian Brothers. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m. in Canale Arena.
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