Virginia Union University's Jemal Smith set a new school record by dishing out 21 assists to lead VUU to a 93-68 win over Cheyney University in the Panthers' 2018-19 home opener on Tuesday, November 27, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.

Smith's 21 assists broke the previous record of 16, set by Adrian Hill against the University of the District of Columbia on February 20, 1993.

VUU's freshman phenom, Demarius Pitts, led all scorers with 21 points while teammate Will Jenkins recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Virginia Union's Jordan Peebles scored 14 points and Smith scored 11 points.  Darian Peterson finished off the double-figure scoring with 10 points.

"This was a good team win tonight," said VUU Head Coach Jay Butler.  "It felt good playing in front of the home crowd for the first time this year.  I thought Jemal Smith came out and got us going early with some exciting passes to Jordan Peebles, and that really got the crowd into the game.  Demarius was very efficient on the offensive end tonight and he continues to play well for us."

Virginia Union now faces Queens University of Charlotte at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 3, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.