Virginia Union University's Devon Sims scored a career-high 23 points to lead the Panthers to a 78-73 win over Albany State University on the first day of the ATL HBCU Challenge on Friday, November 18, in Atlanta, Ga.

Sims hit six of 13 shots from the field, including three 3-pointers in the win.

Raemaad Wright had his second double-double of the season by scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while teammate Robert Osborne also scored 12 points.

The Panthers are now 5-0 on the season.

"We knew coming in that this first game in Atlanta was going to be tough after being on the road all week," said VUU Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Butler.  "I thought the guys' defensive intensity picked up in the second half that allowed us to open up the lead, but Albany State really shot the ball well today.  Devon Sims kept us in the game in the first half. He continues to spark us in the second half on both ends of the court with 6 steals and attacking the basket on the offensive end with 23 points.  Mahzi Thames came off the bench and had a solid floor game with 6 points and 6 assists."

Virginia Union will now play LeMoyne-Owen College on the second day of the ATL HBCU Challenge at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, in Atlanta, Ga.