On Wednesday, January 29, Virginia Union University's men's basketball team fought their way to a hard-earned 65-62 overtime victory over Elizabeth City State University, pulling them into a tie for first place in the CIAA Northern Division. The win, which took place in Elizabeth City, N.C., was a true test of resilience as the Panthers battled their way through a gritty game that saw the score knotted at 56-56 at the end of regulation.

Standout Performances
The Panthers' success was driven by the strong performances of several key players. Jonathan King and DJ Mitchell each scored 15 points, showcasing their ability to come through in clutch moments. Meanwhile, Bobby Gardner contributed with 14 points and a team-high 9 rebounds, playing a critical role on both ends of the floor.  Malachi Dark also contributed 14 points in the win.

Head Coach Jay Butler praised his team's effort, emphasizing the defensive and rebounding intensity that set the tone for the game. "These guys continue to find ways to pull out another close game on the road. I thought we defended well and rebounded the ball at a high level in the first half. Malachi Dark was dominant in the first half by scoring around the basket. Bobby Gardner and Jonathan King have really stepped up their games in conference play. DJ Mitchell continues to find ways to hit big shots for us, but it took a total team effort to get the win in overtime," Butler said.

A Team Effort in Overtime
While the Panthers were able to pull away in overtime, it was the collective effort that secured the victory. Every player contributed in one way or another, and the team's determination and composure in the final minutes of the game proved crucial. With this win, Virginia Union now shares the top spot in the CIAA Northern Division with Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, both holding 3-1 divisional records.

Looking Ahead
The Panthers will have the opportunity to take sole possession of first place when they face off against Lincoln University on Saturday, February 1, at 4:00 p.m. at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va. This matchup will not only determine the leader in the CIAA Northern Division, but it promises to be another exciting chapter in what's shaping up to be a competitive season.

Virginia Union fans will be eagerly watching to see if their team can continue this momentum and edge closer to the top of the division as the season progresses.