Virginia Union University faced a challenging matchup on Saturday, January 4, against Saint Thomas Aquinas College, ultimately falling 81-74 in Sparkill, N.Y. Despite a valiant second-half effort, the Panthers couldn't overcome their sluggish start.

Game Overview

The Panthers found themselves in a deep hole early on, trailing 47-24 at halftime. St. Thomas Aquinas capitalized on turnovers and outperformed Virginia Union on the boards in the opening half, setting the tone for the game. Head Coach Jay Butler reflected on the early struggles, stating, "I thought we got off to a slow start against a good St. Thomas Aquinas team. We made too many turnovers and got beat on the boards in the first half. The second half, we played with a lot of heart and got back in the game, but we just dug ourselves too deep of a hole in the first to catch up."

Standout Performances

Jonathan King emerged as a standout for Virginia Union, putting up an impressive double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds. His dominant performance kept the Panthers in the game and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.

Contributions also came from Travis Vaughn, who added 12 points, and Keysean Faulkner-Smith, who chipped in with 10. Their efforts in the second half helped narrow the deficit, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide.

Looking Ahead

Virginia Union will have a chance to bounce back on Thursday, January 9, when they face Fayetteville State University. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va. With lessons learned from Saturday's game, the Panthers will look to start strong and maintain consistency throughout.

Final Thoughts

While the loss is a setback, the Panthers' resilience in the second half is a testament to their determination. Fans can expect a spirited performance in their upcoming game as Virginia Union aims to return to winning form.