PENSACOLA, Fla. — The University of West Florida Argos (14-11, 10-9 Gulf South) couldn't pull off an overtime win against Union University (18-9, 13-6 Gulf South), falling 84-74, despite 46 points scored in the paint. 

Amelia Bell was a standout, racking up 28 points on an impressive 11 of 13 shooting and snagging 10 rebounds. Annarose Tyre chipped in with 13 points, two steals, and eight rebounds. Isabel Grimes added 14 points, was perfect from the line with five free throws, and picked up three steals. Jakeria Hawkins contributed with two steals and two assists.

The Argos came out strong in the first quarter, with Bell sinking a layup just 21 seconds in, thanks to an assist from Hawkins. Despite keeping pace with 10 points in the paint, turnovers were a hurdle, with seven committed in the quarter. Even as Union's 3-point game heated up, Janai Jordan's crucial 3-pointer at 4:34 kept the Argos close. The quarter wrapped up with the Argos trailing 23–19.

In the second quarter, the Argos found some rhythm late, sparked by Tyre's key steal and fastbreak layup, plus a free throw, narrowing the gap to 38–32 with just 25 seconds remaining. They matched Union on the boards and stayed strong in the paint with another eight points, but still ended the half down 39–32.

Starting the third quarter, Bell's quick layup just seven seconds in, assisted by Grimes, seemed to ignite the Argos. However, turnovers hurt them again, with six in the period. Finley Kennedy's layup at 7:55 was a bright spot, but Union's steady pressure, marked by Abigail Bryan's 3-pointer at 7:45, kept the Argos at bay. The quarter closed with Union ahead 50–40.

The fourth quarter saw a spirited Argos comeback, tying the game in the waning moments. Bell was instrumental, scoring multiple times in the paint, including a buzzer-beating layup to even the score. The Argos owned the paint with 14 points and nailed seven of eight from the free-throw line. Despite Union's efforts to hold their lead, the Argos' defense was relentless. Regulation ended in a 64–64 stalemate.

Entering overtime, the Argos initially took charge, with Grimes delivering six straight points, pushing their lead to 71–67 with 3:18 on the clock. Yet, Union struck back with two 3-pointers from Bryan, taking a 73–72 lead with 1:33 remaining leading to a 84–74 win, outscoring the Argos 20–10 in the extra period.

Next up, West Florida hosts Christian Brothers at the UWF Field House on Saturday, Feb. 21. Tip-off is at 2 p.m.