The Virginia Union University men's basketball team secured a thrilling 67-66 victory over Elizabeth City State University on Tuesday, February 18, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, VA. The game came down to the final seconds, with Travis Vaughn's clutch free throws lifting VUU to a dramatic win.

A Nail-Biting Finish
With just 2.8 seconds remaining on the clock, Travis Vaughn stepped to the line and delivered two critical free throws, sealing the Panthers' hard-fought win over ECSU. The free throws were a result of a tense, back-and-forth game, where both teams battled fiercely for control.

Key Performances
The Panthers were led by DJ Mitchell, who scored a team-high 17 points, despite feeling the pressure from a missed free throw earlier in the game. Mitchell's frustration was palpable, but VUU Head Coach Jay Butler was quick to calm him down, reassuring his star player that there was still plenty of time to make things right.

"DJ Mitchell was so frustrated by missing his free throw that I told him there was plenty of time. I told him to just relax, that we were going to get a stop," said Coach Butler. "They ended up missing a free throw, and Travis came down and knocked his free throws down. These kids keep fighting and finding ways to win."

Bobby Gardner also had a solid game, contributing 16 points, while Jonathan King recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. King's effort on the boards was crucial in securing the win, showcasing his all-around game.

A Season of Resilience
This victory comes after a season filled with adversity, but Coach Butler's message of perseverance and belief in themselves resonated throughout the team. "They keep fighting and they keep believing in themselves," he said. "This was a big win for us."

Looking Ahead: The Battle of I-95
The Panthers now look ahead to their next game, where they will face off against Virginia State University in the highly anticipated "Battle of I-95." The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m. at Barco-Stevens Hall.

With momentum on their side, VUU will look to build on this thrilling victory as they continue to push through the challenges of the season.