Union, CIU Fall in NAIA Opening Round

WALESKA, Ga. - It was a rough day for the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) as both of the league's representatives fell in the first round of the 2023 NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament on Tuesday.

No. 6 seed Union dropped an 82-76 decision to No. 11 seed Southeastern in the Montgomery (Ala.) Bracket, while No. 16 seed Columbia International lost 101-72 to No. 1 seed Grace in the Winona Lake (Ind.) Bracket.

SOUTHEASTERN 82 UNION 76

Union led by 11 in the first half and took a 42-35 lead into the break. However, Southeastern opened the second half on a 35-14 stretch to open up a 70-56 advantage with 7:22 to play. The Bulldogs attempted to comeback but could not get any closer than four at 80-76 with 36 seconds remaining. After a pair of Fire free throws, Union continued to try to battle back but missed three 3-point attempts in dropping the six-point decision.

Markello Sullivan led Union with 29 points and 11 rebounds with Markelle Turner following with 17 points. Terrin Hamilton added 10 points.

The Bulldogs end the season 27-3 overall.

GRACE 101, CIU 72

Top-seeded Grace got its offense rolling in the first half as it grabbed a 55-36 halftime lead. Columbia International continued to scrap but could not cut into the deficit.

Dianthony Heathcock led the Rams with 17 points, while Christian Howard had 15. Jalen Brinson chipped in 10 points.

Columbia International concludes the season with an 18-14 record.