Panthers Defeats Barton College

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – Ryan King led all scorers with 24 points and Branden McDonald notched a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists as Virginia Union defeated Barton 100-91 in the opening game of the 44th Annual Mount Olive College Pickle Classic Friday at Kornegay Arena. Brandon Byerson scored 14 of his 20 points in the second half for Virginia Union, while Jaren Haley led Barton with 18 points.

Braxton Byerson finished with 18 points for Virginia Union, while Greg Redford pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds

Friday's contest marked the first-ever match-up of former national champions in the history of the Pickle Classic. Barton won the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship, while Virginia Union won its most recent national championship in 2005, the same year Mount Olive reached the Elite Eight.

The Pickle Classic concludes with two games Saturday. Barton takes on Mars Hill at 5:30 p.m., followed by Virginia Union vs. tournament host Mount Olive at 8 p.m. Mount Olive defeated Mars Hill 109-86 in Friday's other game.

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