JUAN MCCALL PHOTO GALLERY | Virginia Union University's Will Jenkins led the Panthers with a career-high 22 points as VUU defeated Johnson C. Smith University on Monday, December 17, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.

Jenkins was 9 of 12 from the field and hit 4 of 5 free throws.

"This was a real good team win right before the Christmas break," said VUU Head Coach Jay Butler.  "I thought the guys defensively were solid and it allowed us to get out and run and score easy baskets in transition."

VUU's Jemal Smith led the Panthers with seven assists.

"I thought our captains Jemal Smith and Will Jenkins got off to a good start leading our young guys with a lot of energy," said Butler.  "Jemal continues to run the team and Will was very strong in the post today."

Virginia Union's Demarius Pitts scored 12 points and had seven rebounds while teammate Darian Peterson scored 11 points.

VUU's Jordan White rounded out the double-figure scoring with 10 points.

The win raised Virginia Union's record to 5-6 overall and 2-1 in the CIAA.  Johnson C. Smith fell to 2-6 overall and 0-2 in CIAA play.

Virginia Union now travels to Charlotte, N.C., to face Queens University at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3.