PHOTO GALLERY | Virginia Union University's Ifunanya Okoye came off the bench and scored 22 points to lead the Lady Panthers to a 78-49 win over Saint Augustine's University on Monday, February 3, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.
 
Okoye went 14-for-18 from the free throw line, marking the most free throws of a Lady Panther since Kiana Johnson hit 19 free throws against Johnson C. Smith University on February 24, 2016.
 
"It was great to see our defense kick in and hold St. Aug's to just seven points in the first and fourth quarters and just 49 points overall," said VUU Head Women's Basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert.   "We were led by Iffy Okoye who had a jam-packed stat line finishing with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals. Dy'Manee Royal was relentless on the glass as she added 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Shameka McNeill's speed attack kicked in and was good for 11 points, four assists, and two steals.  Jasmine Carter added 10 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. We are a fast-paced team that wants to stretch the defense, get easy baskets, and get to the free throw line early and often. We shot 34 free throws in the first half and 46 free throws for the game. I loved our attack game and if we can keep it going, it will pay big dividends down the stretch."
 
The win raised VUU's record to 17-3 overall and 8-2 in the CIAA.  Saint Augustine's fell to 8-14 overall and 3-9 in CIAA play.
 
Virginia Union now faces Elizabeth City State University at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, at Barco-Stevens Hall In Richmond, Va.