Men's basketball reaches century mark in rout of Johnson

KNOXVILLE, Tenn - An already prolific offense reached new heights, as the Union men's basketball team scored in triple figures for the first time in 2022-23, easily disposing of Johnson 108-85 in an Appalachian Athletic Conference meeting Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs made quick work of the Royals, scoring 61 points on 59 percent shooting in the first half. And after coming out flat in the second half of its first two games, Union stayed in control, never letting its lead drop below double digits over the final 20 minutes.

On a night where five Bulldogs scored in double figures, Terrin Hamilton was the standout, leading all players with 23 points and eight rebounds. Also cracking double figures for Union was Markelle Turner (16 points), Deonte Douglas (17), Will Bailey (13) and Anton Mozga (13).

It wasn't the only area where Union dominated, as the Bulldogs finished with a 45-31 rebounding edge and were plus-nine (22-13) in the turnover battle, thanks in part to the strong defense of DJ Mercer, who led all players with three steals.

It was Union's first time crossing the century mark since a 114-65 win at Kentucky Christian in February. Tuesday also marked the second-straight 100-point outing against Johnson, following a 111-64 drubbing last January.

Union is now 3-0, 2-0 in the AAC. The Bulldogs host Reinhardt at 4 p.m. Saturday in a game between teams projected to finish 1-2 in the AAC preseason standings.