BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – The Union College Bulldogs trailed only once, in theopening minute of their game against Miami-Middletown (Ohio) University Saturday. Union scored the next seven points and went on to a 84-64 decision over the Thunderhawks. The game was the first of contest of the Union College/Best Western Wilderness Trail Inn Holiday Classic inside Robsion Arena.

The only lead for Miami-Middletown came when Britten Alexander knocked down a free throw 40 seconds into the contest. Freshman Josh Hurd (Independence, Ky.) scored to make the score 2-1 and Union never looked back. Aaron Dunaway (Lexington, Ky.) scored 14 of his team-high 16 points in the first half as Union took a 39-29 lead to the halftime break.

In the second half, the Bulldogs picked up where they left off to eventually build a 20-point advantage, 60-40 and eventually won by the same margin.

Another trio of Bulldogs, Chris Stunson (Richmond, Ky.) Kearney Demus (Lexington, Ky.) and Bill Davis (Harrodsburg, Ky.) also scored in double digits. Stunson and Demus scored 13 and ten, respectively and Davis' ten points was a career high.

Union owned the advantage on the boards, 43-33, which included nine from James Johnson, a career best for the freshman from Lexington, Ky. The 43 rebounds, 27 defensenive and 16 offensive, all are season best for the team. Also, the Bulldogs made and attempted the most three-point baskets, as the team went 9-for-23 in the contest.

Freshman Michael Hester (Independence, Ky.) collected six steals in the contest, the most for any Bulldog this season. The rest of the team added 13 more for the most by Union this season. On the other side of the court, the Bulldogs dished out 20 assists to tie the high mark for the team so far through 13 contests.

The Bulldogs' victory was the third straight, the longest so far this season, to improve to 8-5. Miami-Middletown moved to 13-4 after the contest.

Miami-Middletown was led by Brad Bergman and his 20 points. Alexander finished with ten points.

Wadner Joseph put Lincoln Memorial in front, 18-16, when he hit a three with 11:43 left in the half. The Railsplitters (4-5) would push the lead out to ten points on two occasions before taking a 31-21 lead after the first 20 minutes.

Joseph finished with 15 points, but he was second on the team behind Terry Delaney and his 35 points. He was 11-for-16 from the field and 13-for-16 at the free-throw line. Delaney also grabbed ten rebounds.

Rodney Mitchell led Alice Lloyd with 24 points and Corey Hariston accounted for a double-double with 15 points and ten rebounds.

Both teams made 26 shots apiece, however Lincoln Memorial (4-5) held the advantage at the free throw line. The Railsplitters went 28-for-43 at the line while Alice Lloyd (2-11) was 12-for-19.

The classic concludes on Sunday with a 4 p.m. contest between Union and Lincoln Memorial. The day starts at 2 p.m. when Miami-Middletown and Alice Lloyd battle.

Bulldog Notes 

• Union won the 999th game in the program's history in 83 seasons.
• Union is a perfect 2-0 when scoring more than 80 points this season.
• The 20 point margin of victory is the largest this season.
• The Bulldogs scored a season-best 39 points in the first half for the fourth time in 13 games.
• When ahead at the halftime break, Union is 6-1.
• The game also saw the fifth different starting lineup used by Union head coach Kelly Combs.