Virginia Union University's Taniah Johnson scored 16 points to power the Lady Panthers to a 68-64 overtime win over Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday, December 16, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.

VUU is now 9-2 overall and 3-0 in CIAA play, marking the best start for a Lady Panther squad since 2019-20.

Virginia Union's Kiara Shepherd had a team-high 10 rebounds while teammate Ny Langley added 13 points in the win.

VUU's Nevaeh Reaves also scored 10 points for the Lady Panthers.

"We told them before the game this would be about grit tonight and we rose to the occasion," said VUU Head Women's Basketball Coach Tierra Terry. "This was a tough overtime win against a very good JCSU team. The small details like Kiara Shepherd's 10 rebounds make all the difference in these tough games. Taniah Johnson stepped up big with 16 points and some clutch shots. Ny Langley was very solid as well with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Overall , a great team win. We have to go into Monday with the same mentality."

VUU will play Winston-Salem State University at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 18, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.