By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Joseph Lattus sank seven of Union City’s 13 3-pointers to help lift the Golden Tornadoes to a 70-59 Hall of Champions win at Covington Saturday night.
Lattus made five treys in the first half and two more in the fourth quarter when UC outscored the Chargers 26-15 to break away from a 44-all tie. He finished with a game-high 23 points to lead a trio of double-figure scorers for the Twisters.
Both Malaki Brooks and Ben Kail bottomed three triples apiece and joined Lattus in twin digits. Brooks tallied eight of his 20 markers in the deciding final frame, while Kail finished with 11 points.
D.J. Robinson was just a point away from double figures with eight points.
The contest was tight throughout, with Union City – which bounced back from a tough one-point loss in its season opener – led 18-16 at the first-quarter horn. Covington was on top 34-33 at the intermission.
Jordan Clemons paced the 0-2 Chargers with 21 points.
The UC girls played hard until the final horn but dropped a 56-51 decision in the opener.
The Lady Tornadoes trailed by 13 (41-28) after three quarters but clawed their way back to within four points late in the contest.
Amari Bonds fueled the Union City comeback – hitting for 17 of her game-best 31 points over the final eight minutes. Bonds made five field goals and 7-of-9 from the foul line in the fourth period.
Adiaysha Snow hit a pair of 3-pointers and finished with six points, while both Debrionna Jones and Aujani Moss ended up with five markers apiece.
UC (0-2) trailed 7-6 after one and 20-18 at halftime.
The Twister girls did make 21-of-31 free throws with Bonds connecting on 14-of-19 in all. Jones sank all three of her attempts.
Alana Whiten and Carisia Smith combined for 47 of Covington’s 56 points.
Union City will next play in Jackson Tuesday night against Trinity Christian Academy.