RALEIGH, N.C. — The Virginia Union University women's basketball team came up just short in a hard-fought Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) road match up, falling to Shaw University, 63-60, Tuesday evening at Spaulding Gym.
The Panthers drop to 7-3 overall and 2-1 in CIAA play, while the Bears improve to 5-7 overall and 3-2 in conference action.

Virginia Union set the tone early, jumping out to an 18-11 lead after the first quarter. Shaw responded with a strong second quarter to pull even, and the teams went into halftime with VUU leading 29-22. Virginia Union continued in command in the third quarter, with the Panthers holding a 37-30 advantage entering the final period. The Bears were able to execute down the stretch, outscoring the Panthers 33-23 in the fourth quarter to secure the three-point win.

"It was a hard-fought game," said Virginia Union Head Women's Basketball Coach Alico Dunk. "We didn't make enough plays down the stretch and didn't make smart decisions."

Maya Robinson led Virginia Union with 16 points, providing consistent scoring throughout the game. Bruni Martinez recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, controlling the paint and anchoring the Panthers on both ends of the floor. Hailey Blackwell added 10 points, while Ramsey Cureton contributed 7 points off the bench.

As a team, Virginia Union shot 39 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from three-point range, while converting 11 of 15 free throws. The Panthers battled defensively and on the glass but were unable to overcome Shaw's late-game push.

Next Game
Virginia Union will remain on the road and return to CIAA action on Thursday, January 8, facing Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C.