On Saturday, February 8, the Virginia Union University (VUU) men's basketball team suffered a tough loss to Bluefield State University, falling 97-83 in Bluefield, W.V. The Panthers struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game, despite notable performances from several players.

Key Performers:
DJ Mitchell led the scoring for VUU with 24 points, showing his offensive skill and determination. He was supported by Bobby Gardner, who added 21 points, and Jonathan King, who contributed 20 points to the effort. King also stood out as the team's top rebounder, collecting 6 boards.

Despite the strong individual performances, the Panthers could not overcome the challenge posed by Bluefield State, who came out with intensity and urgency.

Head Coach Jay Butler's Take:
Head Coach Jay Butler shared his thoughts on the game: "I thought Bluefield State came out with a sense of urgency today and that was the difference in the game. When you get beat on the boards and give up 97 points, you don't deserve to win. We had opportunities with a lot of our key players out for the season to still compete for the northern division, and we are letting games slip away. Bobby Gardner continues to show he is one of the best freshmen in the conference. We have to get back to playing defense at a high level if we want to finish strong these last few games going into the CIAA tournament."

Looking Ahead:
The Panthers now look ahead to their next game on Monday, February 10, when they face Fayetteville State University at 8:30 p.m. at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va. With the CIAA tournament fast approaching, Virginia Union will need to regroup and refocus to finish the season strong.