Richmond, Va. — The Virginia Union University men's basketball team came out on top in their matchup against Shaw University on Monday, February 17, securing a solid 68-51 victory at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.

The Panthers showed strong offensive and defensive performances throughout the game, with DJ Mitchell leading the charge, scoring 22 points. Mitchell's scoring ability was crucial in helping VUU maintain control of the game and fend off Shaw's advances.

In addition to Mitchell's standout performance, Jonathan King posted a double-double, contributing 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. His presence on both ends of the court was key to the Panthers' success. Meanwhile, Jonathan Salazar also had a strong performance on the glass, pulling down 10 rebounds to help the team control the boards.

VUU's defense was a focal point for Head Coach Jay Butler, who praised the team's effort off the bench. "I thought the group who came in off the bench really locked in defensively," Butler noted. "At that time we had DJ Mitchell and Bobby Gardner sitting out, and Noah Richardson-Keyes came in and played well. Traavis Vaughn and Farrell Crowell were defending, so we left them in there. I told the group that when they came back in, we had to keep the wheels turning, so I thought they did a great job defensively."

The Panthers' win extends their momentum as they prepare for their next game on Tuesday, February 18, against Elizabeth City State University. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.

Looking Ahead
With the team continuing to perform at a high level, fans can look forward to another exciting match as VUU seeks to build on their recent success. The Panthers' defensive intensity, led by a strong rotation, and offensive contributions from key players like Mitchell and King, will surely make them a formidable opponent moving forward.