By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–One great quarter was good enough for the Union City boys.
A 28-13 burst in the third period Saturday evening propelled the Tornadoes to a 58-45 victory at Jackson Christian School and a 2-0 start to the season.
Joseph Lattus lit up the Eagles with a half-dozen 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 22 markers for the Purple and Gold, which trailed for a good bit of the first half.
The nightcap triumph salvaged a split of the doubleheader after the UC girls dropped the opener 52-43.
JCS attempted 40 free throws in the foul-marred contest, sinking 13-of-16 in the fourth quarter when it did not make a single field goal. The Lady Tornadoes, who saw three players foul out, went to the line just 15 times.
Freshman Uriah Davis had 14 points for UC (0-2), which led 10-8 after one quarter and 22-21 at halftime.
Union City will play Trinity Christian Academy at home on Monday and then journey to Henry County on Tuesday.
UC 58, JCS 45 (B)
The Twisters kicked their fullcourt game into high gear in the third stanza, with Lattus leading the way with a pair of triples on his way to a 10-point quarter.
Malaki Brooks, held to just one field goal in the first half, came to life with nine markers in the deciding frame. Brooks finished with 14 points.
UC made nine 3-pointers in all and was 9-for-9 from the free-throw line over the first three quarters.
Kenny Moss was just a deuce shy of double figures, ending up with eight points.
JCS 52, UC 43 (G)
The Lady Eagles flurried with seven straight points in the final minute of the third quarter to overtake UC.
A 3-pointer by Sh’Nyla Moss and a Davis bucket drew the Tornado girls within 42-41 midway through the final frame.
The Twisters managed just field goal the rest of the way, however, with JCS pulling away at the foul line.
Marlee Theobald was Union City’s No. 2 scorer with eight.
Photo: Joseph Lattus.