Virginia Union University's Shameka McNeill totaled 18 points, five assists and four steals as Virginia Union downed host Virginia State 61-47 in the women's game of the Freedom Classic Festival on Saturday, January 18, in Petersburg, Va.

The Panthers started the scoring with a 3-pointer from McNeill. The Trojans scored in their next possession with a layup from Chiqueria Cook, but that was the closest they'd get all game, as Virginia Union scored the next 8 points to extend the lead.

Virginia Union held Virginia State to 8 points in the first quarter and 7 points in the second, carrying a 32-15 lead into halftime. The Panthers led by as many as 26 points en route to the victory.

"I am very proud of how the ladies bounced back from our game with Lincoln University, and this team has been very resilient," said VUU Head Women's Basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert.  "We've been without Shareka McNeill, and the way this team has handled adversity has made me very proud of them.  A lot of people thought we would fold up like a lawn chair, but these kids opened that lawn chair up and we're sitting there enjoying the breeze."

Breonn Hughey contributed 11 points for Union while Dy'Manee Royal had 10. Jasmine Carter (John Marshall) hauled in 11 rebounds.

The win raised VUU's record to 13-2 overall and 5-1 in CIAA play.  Virginia State fell to 8-11 overall and 4-3 in the CIAA.

Virginia Union now travels to Raleigh, N.C., to face Shaw University at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 20.