Virginia Union University's Braxton Byerson scored a season-high 34 points, but Mount Olive College was able to stop the Panthers in overtime 79-76 on the opening day of the ConocoPhillips and Quality Energy Services Pre-Holiday Classic in Aiken, S.C.

Braxton hit 12 of 29 shots from the field and connected on six three-pointers in the game.

The deciding point in the game was free throws.  Mount Olive hit 25 of 33 attempts while VUU connected on 12 of 15.  Mount Olive had more than double the amount of free throws than the Panthers.

VUU's Gregory Redford added 11 points and had a "double-double with 10 rebounds. 

Mount Olive was paced by Derek Staton's 20 points.

VUU falls to 2-1 on the season while Mount Olive raised it's record to 6-2.

Virginia Union now faces fourth-ranked University of South Carolina-Aiken on December 17 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Fans can watch the game live at www.vuusports.com.