Virginia Union University's men's basketball team moved into first place in the Northern Division of the CIAA as the Panthers won their 23rd straight home game in downing Bowie State University 82-56 on Thursday, February 10, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.

The win, coupled with Shaw University's loss to Virginia State University and by virtue of VUU's 10-3 conference record (compared to Lincoln University's 9-4 conference record) moves the Panthers into sole possession of first place in the Northern Division.

Virginia Union placed five players in double-figures, with Keleaf Tate leading the way with 17 points.  VUU's Raemaad Wright scored 13 points while Robert Osborne added 11 points.  Union's Tyriek Railey scored 10 points in the win.

Osborne led the Panthers by grabbing eight rebounds.

"When you get into February you want to be playing good basketball, and tonight we continued to play well against a Bowie team that beat us a few weeks ago," said VUU Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Butler.  "I was very pleased with our team defense and the way we are sharing the basketball on offense.  Tyriek Railey, Darius Hines and Keleaf Tate continue to shoot the ball well.  Robbie Osborne, Jordan Peebles, and Raemaad Wright did a good job rebounding and scoring in the paint."

VUU is now 18-6 overall and 10-3 in the CIAA.  Bowie State fell to 7-17 overall and 5-8 in CIAA play.

Virginia Union now travels to Lincoln University, Pa., to face Lincoln University of Pennsylvania at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 12.