Virginia Union University's Jonathan Salazar scored 21 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, but Fairmont State University defeated the Panthers 68-66 on Saturday, December 30, in Fairmont, W.V.

VUU's Tahj Harding added 13 points in the game.

"I thought we came out and played a good 30 minutes of basketball today," said VUU Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Butler.  "We've got to do a better job of closing games, and in the last 10 minutes we gave up the lead and that was the difference in the game.  We had too many missed free throws and turnovers down the stretch, which cost us the game.   Jonathan Salazar played a strong game on both ends of the floor today. He continues to give us good minutes on the floor."

VUU will now travel to Raleigh, N.C., to face CIAA foe Saint Augustine's University at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 4.