On Monday, February 17, the Virginia Union University Lady Panthers delivered a commanding performance, defeating Shaw University 77-53 at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va. The win improves VUU's overall record to 19-5 and their CIAA record to 12-2, keeping them tied with Virginia State University at the top of their division.
Standout Performances:
- Rori Cox was the standout performer of the game, leading all scorers with 24 points. Her shooting display helped VUU pull away in the second half and secure the comfortable win.
- Taniayah Greene also contributed significantly, adding 12 points to the scoreline. Her consistency throughout the game proved crucial to the Lady Panthers' offensive rhythm.
- On the defensive side, Tatiana Jones was a force to be reckoned with. The senior forward pulled down 12 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in controlling the boards and limiting Shaw's second-chance opportunities.
Coach Tierra Terry's Thoughts:
Head CoachÂ
Tierra Terry expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly in their execution against Shaw's defensive setup. "We knew Shaw was going to play a 2-3 zone on us, so we knew we needed to hit a few shots from the outside," said Coach Terry. "This was long overdue for us because we knew we had some shooters on the team.
Tatiana Jones is an energetic person, and when she gets fired up, she's very passionate. Sometimes her passion gets mistaken for attitude, but I grew up playing against boys, and she did too. Sometimes when you have that feisty attitude, people take it the wrong way. But she's a point forward, and her IQ is amazing."
The Lady Panthers' ability to execute against the zone defense and their unselfish ball movement were key to the victory. The team's chemistry was evident, with each player contributing to the well-rounded win.
Looking Ahead:
Next up for the Lady Panthers is a crucial matchup againstÂ
Elizabeth City State University on Tuesday, February 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Barco-Stevens Hall. With both teams eager to continue their winning momentum, the game promises to be another exciting chapter in VUU's season.