The Union University men’s basketball team split back-to-back games against Delta State University in the Fred Delay Gym on Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 13.
The Bulldogs fell by a score of 90-72 on Friday but fought back the following day to defeat the Statesmen 75-69. With a 9-5 overall record, the Bulldogs are ranked number two in the Gulf South Conference’s (GSC) West Division.
The Bulldogs utilized extra preparation time for their matchups with Delta State after the Bulldogs’ previously scheduled opponent Mississippi College entering quarantine.
Hunter Vick, redshirt junior guard and finance major, discussed splitting games with Mississippi College earlier in the season and how anxious the team was to face them again.
“We were really frustrated that we didn’t get to play them,” said Vick. “We were really looking forward to getting payback.”
While the postponed games against Mississippi College will not be rescheduled, the Bulldogs still have some challenging opponents ahead of them. Vick believes that going forward the team will need to build off of the wins thus far and finish strong towards the end of the season. Sean Blackburn, assistant coach, said that the main focus going forward revolves around each member doing their part.
“Our thing lately has been, ‘I got your back. Do your job,’” said Blackburn. “I think the main thing is everyone on the court is doing what they need to do when it’s supposed to be done.”
When asked about leaders on the team, Blackburn talked about Vick, who leads the team at an average of 16.3 points per game.
“He’s been someone who’s been leading by example, but also he’s been having more of a voice,” said Blackburn. “When your lead guy doesn’t have a voice, it kind of hurts your team.”
The Bulldogs’ next games will be against The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) on Feb. 19 and 20 at 6 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, in Huntsville, Ala.
