MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Auburn University at Montgomery Warhawks men's basketball team (5-17, GSC: 3-13) fell short against the Union Bulldogs (9-12, GSC: 5-10) 71-64 on Saturday evening from the AUM Athletics Complex.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
Union's Youngblood, a former Warhawk, opened the game with a three-point bucket. Marius Canery wasted no time responding with a triple of his own before Youngblood drained another three on his next shot. The long-range battle continued as Omar Zeigler splashed one in from range.
 
AUM grabbed a slim lead after a Devin Barksdale layup and another triple from Canery. The Bulldogs tied it up at 13 points a piece before Barksdale drained a trey to hold the lead for AUM.
 
After a pair of free throws from the opponents, Canery used his hot hand to sink yet another triple. Once again, Union's Youngblood answered with a one of his own. 
 
Over the next few minutes, an exchange of points brought the score to 29-28 with the orange and black leading by one point.
 
The Bulldogs were able to find some momentum before the end the first half, scoring nine consecutive points.
 
The Warhawks added three points before the horn, but Union led 38-32 at the halftime break.
 
Second Half
The second half began with almost three scoreless minutes, with strong defense from both ends. The Bulldogs broke the dry streak with a jumper before earning a 13-point lead with just over 14 minutes on the scoreboard.
 
Barksdale was able to add another three to his tally, however, Union's Casey Williams answered with a three on the next possession. Barksdale didn't let this deter him, as he hit his third three of the day less than a minute later.
 
The Warhawks continued to cut into their lead with a pair of Ti'Avian Scruggs three pointers, setting the score at 54-51. After some back and forth, another Canery three made it a two point game with Union leading 61-59.
 
Six of the next seven points went to the Bulldogs, extending their lead to 67-60. Despite AUM's late efforts, Union would go on to take a 71-64 win over the Warhawks.
 
NOTABLES

• Marius Canery led the Warhawks with 15 points, which included four three pointers.
• Ti'Avian Scruggs posted 14 points and eight rebounds.
• Elhadji Thiam recorded 12 points, six rebounds, while shooting 75 percent (6-of-8) from the field.
• Devin Barksdale totaled 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
• Union outscored AUM 26-24 in the paint.
• The game featured eight lead changes and five tied scores.

 
UP NEXT
The Warhawks are back in the AUM Athletics Complex on Wednesday, Feb. 11 for a battle with Trevecca Nazarene at 5:30 p.m. The first 50 AUM students will receive a free AUM basketball jersey.


#WeAreAUM 
 
For the latest on AUM athletics, find us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.