Virginia Union University's Braxton Byerson scored 25 points and Jamaal Blalock added 17 points, but a fierce Panther comeback fell just short and Bowie State University escaped with a 78-76 win over VUU on February 21 in Bowie, Md.

Byerson hit eight of 19 shots from the field, including five three-pointers while Blalock was six of 10 from the field with four treys.

The loss sets up a showdown with Elizabeth City State University on February 23 in Barco-Stevens Hall with the #2 seed in the CIAA Northern Division at stake.

If VUU beats Elizabeth City State, then the Panthers will enter the CIAA Tournament as the #2 seed in the North.  If ECSU wins, then VUU will be the #3 seed.

VUU was led in rebounding by Blalock, Byerson and Gregory Redford, who had six rebounds apiece.

Bowie State was led by Eric Vann's 25 points and Darren Clark's 12 rebounds.

The loss drops VUU 14-8 overall and 12-5 in the CIAA.  Bowie State is now 22-4 overall and 16-2 in the CIAA.