Jackson, Tenn.- In a battle between the top two teams in the conference the University of West Florida Men's Basketball team defeated the Union University Bulldogs 68-62. West Florida improved their record to 15-3 and 9-2 in conference, moving into first place in Gulf South Conference standings.
 
In the first half West Florida and Union were evenly matched trading shots. UWF was 11-27 from the field on 40 percent shooting. West Florida was 10-14 at the charity line and outrebounded the Bulldogs 19-17. Union was 14-30 from the field, for a field goal percentage of 46 percent.
 
Daniel Sofield led the Argonauts in scoring at halftime with 12 points. At halftime West Florida had a 34-32 lead.
 
Brandon Burford extended the West Florida lead, opening up the second half with a three. The second half saw both teams make improvements. Sofield went on to score 10 more points in the second half and finished the night as the Argos leading scorer with 22 points. Sofield has led the team in scoring in the last three games. Sofield was 4-5 from beyond the three-point line and had an 80 percent three point field goal percentage

"I am really proud of our guys," said Head Coach Jeff Burkhamer.  "Tonight was a big time road win against a very good team.  We played hard in the first half but didn't execute very well.  We played much better in the second half.  Sofield made two huge 3's and a beautiful jump hook to help us on the offensive end.  Defensively, we did a terrific job of taking away the three shot which is a big part of Union's offense.  We have another very tough and challenging game on Saturday at CBU."
 
Darrin Jenkins was a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line and finished the night with 10 points as the second leading scorer.
 
As a team West Florida was shooting 40 percent from the field, going 12-30 in the second half. UWF was 7-10 from the free throw line and continued to outrebound Union 22-19. Union was 13-34 from the field on 38 percent shooting. The Bulldogs had three free throw attempts and were able to capitalize on two out of the three attempts.
 
Overall the Argonauts success at the free throw line contributed to the win in a significant way. UWF was 17-24 from the free throw line. From the field West Florida was 23-57 from the field on 40 percent shooting. Union was 27-64 from the field on 42 percent shooting. Tylandrius Parks led Union in scoring with 15 points.
The Argos outrebounded the Bulldogs 41-36. Jejuan Weatherspoon had a team high eight rebounds.
 
Up next UWF travels to Memphis, Tenn., to face Christian Brothers on Saturday, Jan.22 at 3 P.M. CBU is now allowing fans in Canale Arena. Fans are able to purchase tickets online, prior to the start of Saturday's game. Live Stream | Live Stats | Tickets
 
How to follow the Argos: For complete information on UWF Men's Basketball follow the team on Instagram @UWFMBB and Twitter @UWFMENSBBALL.