Virginia Union University's Terrell Leach scored a team-high 26 points as the Panthers downed Chowan University 83-77 on Saturday, February 23, in Murfreesboro, N.C.

The win enabled the Panthers to capture the #2 seed in the Northern Division of the CIAA.  The Panthers will open play in the 2019 CIAA Tournament at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

VUU's opponent has yet to be determined.  The Panthers will play either Chowan, Claflin or Johnson C. Smith, depending on the outcome of the tournament's opening round games.

"This was a big road win to end the regular season and lock the second seed in the CIAA Tournament," said VUU Head Coach Jay Butler.

VUU's Jordan Peebles added 17 points while Demarius Pitts and Will Jenkins scored 15 points.

"I thought Jordan Peebles and Demarius Pitts played well in the first half," said Butler.  "They allowed us to keep the game within reach because we were pretty bad defensively in the first half."

Virginia Union trailed by 10 (43-33) at the half before tying the game with 7:52 left to play.

"I challenged Terrell and Will to step up in the second half," Butler said.  "They responded and made shots throughout, but most importantly we picked it up on the defensive end to secure the win."

The win gave VUU a final regular-season record of 18-10 overall and 13-4 in the CIAA.  Chowan fell to 12-14 overall and 5-12 CIAA play.