In an intense showdown at the 2025 Freedom Classic, Virginia State University (VSU) defeated Virginia Union University (VUU) with a thrilling 78-74 victory on Saturday, January 18, in Petersburg, Va. The win came down to the wire, as VSU managed to hold off a fierce comeback attempt from VUU.

Key Players Shine for VUU

DJ Mitchell led the charge for the Trojans, finishing the game with 21 points, showcasing his scoring ability, especially in the second half. Jonathan King contributed a solid 19 points along with 7 rebounds, providing both scoring and key plays in the paint. Bobby Gardner, a freshman, had an impressive performance with 14 points, adding energy and hustle that helped his team stay competitive. Malachi Dark also played a crucial role, scoring 12 points and contributing to the team's offensive efforts in the second half.

VUU Fights Back but Falls Short

For Virginia Union, despite the best efforts of the team, they now sit at 7-9 on the season and 1-3 in the CIAA. The Panthers were down by 10 at halftime but showed resilience in the second half, narrowing the gap thanks to solid performances from their key players. VUU's defense tightened up, and they made key plays to keep the game within reach, but ultimately fell short in the final minutes.

Coach Jay Butler Reflects on the Game

Head Coach Jay Butler spoke candidly about the performance, emphasizing the team's sluggish start. "I thought we came out a little sluggish in the first half and Virginia State jumped on us early," he said. "Once we settled down, I thought we did a good job closing the gap with hustle plays from freshman Bobby Gardner to help us go into the locker room only down 10. The second half was much better, and we really got after them pretty good."

Coach Butler also highlighted key moments from his players: "DJ Mitchell got going offensively in the second half from the perimeter, and Jonathan King, along with Malachi Dark, really gave us some interior scoring. We gave up too many offensive rebounds to take the lead in the second half, and that was the difference down the stretch."

Looking Ahead: VUU vs. Bowie State

The Panthers will look to bounce back in their next game against Bowie State University on Tuesday, January 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Bowie, Md. With the season still in full swing, Coach Butler and his team will be focused on improving their performance and staying competitive in the CIAA.