Virginia Union University's Shareka McNeill scored a career-high 36 points to lead the Lady Panthers to a 78-46 win over Saint Augustine's University on Monday, January 14, in Raleigh, N.C.
 
The game marked the third time in the last four games where McNeill has scored 30 points or better.
 
"After a rough first quarter, we settled in and played Lady Panther basketball," said VUU Head Coach AnnMarie Gilbert.  "We are getting teams' best efforts and it's making us a better team.  We were led by Shareka with 36 points.  She shot the ball well and put on a show."
 
VUU's Ifunanya Okoye recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
 
"Iffy Okoye's 16 points and 11 rebounds marked her fourth double-double in the last five games," said Gilbert.  "Our bench contributed 21 points.  We committed too many fouls tonight, but overall I was pleased with our defense.  We held Saint Augustine's to 46 points, scored 30 points off their mistakes and forced 23 turnovers."
 
VUU's Rejoice Spivey also scored 11 points in the win.
 
The win raised Virginia Union's record to 14-1 overall and 5-1 in CIAA play.  Saint Augustine's fell to 2-13 overall and 1-7 in the CIAA.
 
Virginia Union now travels to Petersburg, Va., to face Virginia State University in the 2019 Freedom Classic at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19.
 
The game can be viewed at vuusports.com.