ATLANTA, GA -- Deshon Burgess scored a career high 28 points to lead the Union College men's basketball team to an 84-81 victory over Birmingham Southern College in the first game of the Emory University Tournament Monday afternoon at the Woddruff P.E. Center.

The Dutchmen improved to 6-2 while the Panthers fell to 6-4. Union will face host Emory in the championship game of the tourney at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday. BSC plays Bates at 2 p.m. in the consolation game.

Burgess also had a game high point total in his home area, as he is a native of Scottdale, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. He made 10 of 19 shots and made eight free throws while also pulling down six rebounds in 33 minutes. William Hython had his 11th career double-double for Union, with a game high 14 rebounds with 14 points. He also added two assists. Wade McNamara scored 10 points and Ryan Whelpley added nine while Zachary Bouton had a game best five assists.

Union shot 52% including 55% in the first half. The Dutchmen had a 35-34 rebounding edge. Union trailed 46-43 at halftime, shooting 55% while the Panthers shot 58% in the first half.

Five players scored in double figures for the Panthers, and Alex Avery had a team high 16 points with eight rebounds and three steals. John Crain had 14 points and Ross Welch added 13 for Birmingham Southern.

Union Head Coach Chris Murphy was an assistant for four seasons at Emory before taking over the Union program prior to the 2013-14 season.