Virginia Union University's Shameka McNeill scored a team-high 20 points to lead VUU to a hard-fought 77-74 win over host Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday, January 25, in Charlotte, N.C.

McNeill hit 13 of 14 free throws, marking the most by a Lady Panthers since Kiana Johnson hit 19 free throws against Johnson C. Smith on February 24, 2016.

"We got off to a great start against JCSU, but it would prove to be a game of runs," said VUU Head Women's Basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert.  "We controlled the tempo for most of the game, but credit JCSU for hitting some real tough shots down the stretch to make it a closer game than it was. Superb free throw shooting by Shameka McNeill was key en route to her finishing with 20 points, three rebounds. four assists, and three steals. Ifunanya Okoye was solid with 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Dy'Manee Royal contributed 15 points, three rebounds, and three steals on 7-of-10 shooting from the free throw line. Jasmine Carter added 12 points, five rebounds, and two blocks on 6-of-7 shooting from the field. Breonn Hughey played a solid floor game finishing with seven points and seven assists. JCSU played us very physical and tough. It was another very solid road win for the Lady Panthers as we head into February."

The win raised the 12th-ranked Lady Panthers to 16-2 on the season and 7-1 in the CIAA.  Johnson C. Smith fell to 9-9 overall and 5-4 in CIAA play.  

Virginia Union now travels to Bowie, Md., to meet Bowie State University at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, on a game which will be broadcast on ESPN3.