On Saturday, February 22, the Virginia Union University men's basketball team faced a tough 74-62 defeat against Virginia State University in the final regular-season game of the year. The game, held at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Virginia, marked the end of a hard-fought season as the Panthers now turn their focus to the upcoming CIAA Tournament.

Despite the loss, Virginia Union will enter the 2025 CIAA Tournament as the #4 seed in the Northern Division, with a .500 record (14-14) on the season. The Panthers will look to regroup and build momentum for the post-season as they prepare for the next phase of their journey.

Notable Performances:
The standout player of the game for Virginia Union was Jonathan King, who posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. His consistent effort throughout the game was a bright spot for the Panthers, as he battled hard against a determined VSU squad. Bobby Gardner added 11 points to the effort, but it wasn't enough to overcome the strong performance from their rivals.

Coach's Thoughts:
Head Coach Jay Butler acknowledged the challenging circumstances leading into the game, highlighting the significance of senior day, the rivalry with VSU, and the seeding implications for the Northern Division. "When you got the Northern Division seeding, senior day, and your rival on the line, you've got to come out with a sense of urgency from start to finish," Coach Butler said. "You have to give VSU credit because they came in and played like they wanted to win the Northern Division. Looking forward to seeing how we bounce back at the CIAA tournament. The regular season is over and the post-season starts now."

Looking Ahead:
With the regular season now behind them, Virginia Union shifts its focus entirely to the CIAA Tournament in Baltimore, Maryland. The Panthers will play Shaw University at 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25.

As the team prepares to make a post-season push, fans can expect a heightened level of intensity and determination. With the talent on the roster and the leadership of Coach Butler, the Panthers will be poised to make their mark in the tournament and vie for the championship.