Virginia Union University's Wayne Ford scored a career-high 22 points, but fourth-ranked University of South Carolina Aiken stopped the Panthers 69-62 on December 17 on the second day of the ConocoPhillips and Quality Energy Services Pre-Holiday Classic in Aiken, S.C.

Ford hit seven of 12 shots from the field and three of five three-pointers. 

VUU's Branden McDonald and Braxton Byerson led the Panthers with six rebounds apiece.

USC-Aiken was led by Sterling Council's 24 points.

Ford was named to the All-Pre-Holiday Classic Team for his performance.

The loss evened VUU's record at 2-2 while USC-Aiken raised it's record to 7-2.

VUU now travels to Petersburg, Va., to face Goldey-Beacom College on the first day of the Capital Area Classic on December 29 in Daniel Gym on the campus of Virginia State University.