Virginia Union University's Robert Osborne scored a game-high 27 points as VUU won the 2023 Freedom Classic 77-69 over Virginia State University on Saturday, January 14, in Petersburg, Va.

VUU's Keleaf Tate added 17 points while teammate Raemaad Wright grabbed 12 rebounds in the win.

The win was the third straight for the Panthers and marked the first CIAA loss for Virginia State.

"I take my hat off to (VSU Coach) Lonnie Blow and Virginia State," said VUU Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Butler.  "They're a very good basketball team, and both of us did very well in the non-conference games in the beginning of the season.  This is our first meeting this year, and it's always a battle.  I thought our guys came out locked in today and we were great defensively.  When you've got a one-two punch with Robbie scoring inside and Keleaf knocking down shots from the perimeter, you're going to be pretty tough to beat that day."

VUU will now return home to Barco-Stevens Hall where the Panthers will face Lincoln (Pa.) University at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18.