March 14, 2007

JACKSON, Tenn. - First-seeded Union University (Tenn.) got over half its points off the bench in an 86-55 victory over eighth-seeded The Master's College (Calif.) in a first-round game at the 27th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Oman Arena.

After trailing at halftime by a 37-26 margin, The Master's closed to within eight points of Union at 46-38 with just over 14 minutes remaining in the game. However, Kaitlin Dudley scored eight points as Union scored 21 straight over the next five minutes to open up a 29-point margin at 67-38 with less than nine minutes to play.

Dudley led all scorers with 24 points off the bench for Union, and D.J. Sissoko and Josephine Owoko also came off the bench to combine for 21 points and 17 rebounds. In all, the Bulldogs non-starters totaled 48 points. Sissoko tallied 11 points and nine rebounds, and Owoko contributed a 10-point, eight-rebound performance. Ena Daniels scored 12 points and finished with a game-high five steals.

The Master's was led by Annie Gillespie's 21 points, while Kinsley Mittel posted 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

With the win, Union improves to 28-5 overall and advances to a second round matchup with Oklahoma Christian on Friday at 6:15 p.m. The Master's finishes the season with a 15-13 record.