Virginia Union University's Ifunanya Okoye came off the bench to score 24 points on 10-14 shooting and pulled down 14 boards as the Panthers took down the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 62-47 on Saturday, Feburary 15, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va..

Lincoln's conference loss was only its second of the season, drawing Virginia Union closer to the top of the CIAA's Northern Division. The Lions are 23-4 overall and 12-2 in CIAA play.

It also marked the fifth straight season that Virginia Union has won 20 or more games. 

Shameka McNeill added 15 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Panthers.

"This win over Lincoln ranks up there with some of our best wins ever during my tenure here," said VUU Head Women's Basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert.  "To be without our leading scorer and to knock off the first-place team in our division is just remarkable. It was a great overall team effort. The play of Iffy Okoye was so awesome as she had her fifth double-double off the bench.  Shameka McNeill led us at the point position. Jasmine Carter added 10 points and seven rebounds while Peyton Evans had nine points and three assists. Our defense was incredible, holding Lincoln, which averages 74 points and 43 rebounds, to just 47 points and 31 rebounds. We did a great job on their guards, holding the CIAA leading scorer Kwanza Murray to just 5 points for the game. This was a huge win for the Lady Panthers!"

The win raised VUU's record to 20-3 overall and 11-2 in the CIAA.

The Lady Panthers now face Bowie State University at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.