Union’s men’s basketball season kicked off with a win Nov. 11 in a game against Champion Baptist College.
The Bulldogs played in the Fred DeLay Gymnasium and defeated the opponents 96-54 under Head Coach David Niven who is beginning his fifth season at Union.
“Coach Niven is a unique coach,” said senior physical education major and guard AJ Roberts. “With most coaching it’s all about winning and losing, but with Coach Niven he challenges you not only on the court but off as well. He inspires me to be a better man and holds me accountable for my actions.”
On Nov. 16, the Bulldogs picked up their second win against Central Baptist College, ending the game in a 100-56 victory.
Junior Pedro Faller sank six 3-pointers during his game-high and career-high 24 points.
Freshman Ashanti Day and Roberts also added to the scoreboard each scoring in the double digits.
“Every game we are improving and getting better,” said sophomore and guard Roy Bullock. “We are getting more comfortable playing together, and it will all come together as the season progresses.”
The Bulldogs continued their winning streak Nov. 23 against William Woods University. Career highs from both AJ Roberts and sophomore Roy Bullock helped lead
Union to a game-winning 82-62 score, pulling Union up to a 3-0 on the season.
“I am looking forward to how we do in conference play this year,” Roberts said. “Last year did not go as planned, so this year we know what to expect and I am ready to see how it turns out.”
The men’s team took its first loss 73-72 on Nov. 29 against Erskine College in the Florida Tech University Thanksgiving Classic.
The Bulldogs lost their second game during the tournament 99-88 to host Florida Institute of Technology, bringing them to a 3-2 on the season.
“I am most looking forward to surprising the Gulf South Conference this year,” said Bullock. “We are pre-season underdogs going in to the conference opener, but as the season unfolds I think we are going to earn the respect that we deserve.”