
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 23, 1991                   TAG: 9103230182
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SPRINGFIELD, MASS.                                LENGTH: Short

VIRGINIA UNION FALLS IN SEMIFINALS TO NORTH ALABAMA

Kevin Simmons had 29 points as second-ranked North Alabama beat third-ranked Virginia Union 97-76 Friday night in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II basketball tournament.

Bakersfield State (25-7) faced Bridgeport (25-7) in the other semifinal.

North Alabama's upperclassmen broke open the game against Virginia Union's four freshmen starters with an eight-point run with five minutes left in the half. The spurt was capped by a steal by Fred Stafford and a jam by Simmons that put the Lions (28-4) ahead 48-39 at the half.

Allen Williams, who had 15 points and 13 assists, opened the second half with a trio of 3-pointers as North Alabama extended its lead to 63-49 in the first five minutes.

Troy Phillips led Virginia Union (27-5) with 18 points.

by CNB