Virginia Union University's Taniah Johnson scored a game-high 21 points, but Virginia State University overcame a 22-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Lady Panthers 61-59 on Saturday, January 15, in Petersburg, Va.

In a game played before no fans or media, the Lady Panthers' Raven Williams led VUU on the boards with nine rebounds.

"We had a phenomenal start but did not go into the second half doing the things that got us the lead in the first half," said VUU Head Women's Basketball Coach Tierra Terry.  "Our youth on the court impacted us this game. We also only went to the free throw line six times the entire game and some foul trouble in the third quarter took us out of our rhythm. This is a learning lesson for us and we have to bounce back for Saint Augustine's on Monday."

VUU's Kiara Shepherd had seven rebounds while teammate Aaliyah Bevins had four blocks.

Virginia Union now travels to Raleigh, N.C., to face Saint Augustine's University at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17.