No. 8 seeded Union advances to Second Round of NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship

Winona Lake, Ind. – The Union Bulldogs have advanced to the Second Round of the 2024 NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship. No. 8 seeded Union defeated No. 9 OUAZ (Ariz.) 88-85 in OT.

The Bulldogs closed the first half with a 12-4 run to lead 40-32 at halftime. In the second half, Union's lead was extended to as many as 11 points. Ottawa took back the lead with 11:00 to play as a jumper made the score 54-53.

Union took a 64-56 lead when Markelle Turner connected on a jumper with 8:39 to play in the half. Ottawa retook the lead with 3:54 left to play. With 0:30 to go, Union regained the lead with two free throws by Deonte Douglas.

The Bulldogs' lead was extended to 76-73 when Turner made two free throws with 0:18 remaining in the second half. Ottawa countered with a 3-pointer, and each team made one free throw to send the game into OT with a score of 77-77.

With the score tied 85-85 in OT, Union's Terrin Hamilton hauled in an offensive rebound with little time remaining. Hamilton made a floater despite being fouled. The junior made the free throw. Following a defensive stand, Union had picked up an 88-85 victory in OT.

Turner tallied 23 points, which led all Bulldogs. Markelo Sullivan recorded a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks.

Hamilton registered 16 points and seven rebounds. Douglas was one of four Bulldogs to score in double figures as he tallied 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Anton Mozga scored nine points, while Will Bailey accounted for six.

The Bulldogs are now 26-6 this season, while OUAZ is 19-11. Up next for No. 8 Union is a matchup against No. 1 Grace on Saturday, March 16, at 5:00 p.m. That matchup will be played at Grace in Winona Lake, Ind. The Lancers are 31-1 this season.