Virginia Union University's Shameka McNeill tied her season high by scoring 21 points to lead the Lady Panthers to a 59-44 win over Bowie State University on Wednesday, February 19, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.
 
Virginia Union's Peyton Evans and Ifunanya Okoye both scored 10 points apiece while Okoye grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
 
"We challenged our team to win the final three home games and they have stepped up big to win the two toughest of the games to possibly force a tie for first place in the CIAA North Division," said VUU Head Women's Basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert.  "Bowie State has one of the stingiest defenses in the conference and in the country, so it was great to see us jump out to an early 14-6 lead. Shameka McNeil got out of the gate early, hitting three of six shots from behind the arc as she finished with 21 points, two assists, and four steals. Peyton Evans added 10 points. three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Iffy Okoye scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Dy'Manee Royal finished with seven points and seven rebounds. Rebounding and defense were the key to this game as we out-rebounded Bowie 43-36 and held them to just 44 points for the game. I couldn't be more proud of what this team has accomplished over the course of the regular season thus far. We must finish the job on Saturday against Virginia State."
 
The win raised VUU's record to 21-3 overall and 12-2 in CIAA play.  Bowie State fell to 21-4 overall and 11-3 in the CIAA.
 
Virginia Union wraps up the 2019-20 regular season when the Lady Panthers host Virginia State University at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.