Women's basketball falls in late night 'Show' down

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Union women's basketball team had several inspired moments, but struggled to find consistency in a 66-59 loss to West Virginia Tech in the final game of The Show Tournament Saturday night.

McKenzi Himes had a team-best 16 points, with six of them coming during a fast start which saw the Bulldogs jump out to a 9-0 lead. That excitement would be short-lived though, as the Golden Bears rallied to take a 19-16 lead by quarter's end and stretched that advantage to 38-28 at the half.

The Bulldog defense kept them alive, forcing five turnovers and holding WVU to 2-of-12 shooting in the third quarter as they got within 46-43 going into the fourth quarter before two 3-pointers by Valiyah Vazzie and a 3-point play by Faith Silva gave the Golden Bears some breathing room at 59-47.

A Himes layup cut the deficit back to 61-57 with 1:03 remaining, but Silva answered with a dagger 3-pointer on the ensuing possession.

Himes wasn't the only Union player to thrive in the paint, as post mate Raigan King added 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting off the bench. LeAsia Linton added 10 points while also dishing out a game-best six assists.

Union (2-7) returns home for an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup with Bryan on Tuesday.