The Virginia Union University men's basketball team faced off against Claflin University in the Black College Invitational Championship game on Saturday, March 22, in Charlotte, N.C., but ultimately fell short with a 64-54 loss.

DJ Mitchell Leads Scorers

Virginia Union's DJ Mitchell was the standout player for the Panthers, finishing as the team's leading scorer with 16 points. He showcased his offensive versatility but ultimately couldn't lead his team to victory in the final moments. Fellow teammates Bobby Gardner and Travis Vaughn each contributed 10 points, helping to keep the game competitive through much of the contest.

Solid Defensive Effort, but Struggles in the Second Half

One of the few bright spots for Virginia Union was their first-half defense. Head Coach Jay Butler noted, "I thought we came out in the first half and defended really well, holding Claflin to just 27 first-half points." 

However, the second half told a different story. Coach Butler added, "In the second half, we struggled to score the ball and missed free throws that allowed Claflin to pull away."

Rebounding Woes and Claflin's Late Surge

Another key factor in the game's outcome was the rebounding battle. Virginia Union's Jonathan King and Noah Richardson-Keyes each grabbed seven rebounds, but Claflin dominated the glass overall, leading to second-chance opportunities. 

A Season to Build On

Despite the loss, the 2024-25 season was one of growth for the Virginia Union Panthers. With a final record of 16-16, the team showed resilience and potential under Coach Butler's leadership. While the loss in the championship game is undoubtedly a disappointment, it provides valuable lessons that will help shape the team's future.

As the Panthers look ahead, the experience gained from competing in high-stakes games like the Black College Invitational Championship will be crucial in their continued development. The team will be working hard to bounce back next season with renewed focus and determination.