Virginia Union University's Demarius Pitts tied his career-high by scoring 22 points, but Claflin University defeated the Panthers 72-70 on Thursday, December 6, in Orangeburg, S.C.
 
Pitts, a freshman from Clinton, Md., hit nine of 13 shots from the field in the game, including three 3-pointers.
 
VUU's Raemaad Wright, a redshirt freshman from Suffolk, Va., also tied his career high by scoring 11 points in the game.

"I thought the kids fought hard tonight, but didn't make the key plays down the stretch to win the game," said VUU Head Coach Jay Butler.  "We're not shooting the ball well from outside and it's forcing us to play great defense to give us a chance to win.  I'm happy to see Raemaad Wright and Demarius Pitts play well today, but we need a few more guys to step up and make some plays for us to run off a few wins."
 
Virginia Union's Will Jenkins rounded out the double-figure scoring by adding 10 points while leading the Panthers with eight rebounds.
 
The loss dropped VUU to 3-5 on the season overall and 0-1 in the CIAA.  Claflin is now 3-7 overall and 2-3 in CIAA play.
 
Virginia Union now travels to Columbia, S.C. to face Benedict College at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8.