The Virginia Union University men's basketball team closed out the regular season Saturday afternoon with a road loss to Virginia State University in a Northern Division match up with championship implications.

Despite the setback, the Panthers conclude the regular season with an impressive 24-4 overall record and a 13-3 mark in CIAA play, positioning themselves as a strong contender heading into postseason competition.

Virginia Union battled throughout the contest but was unable to overcome second-chance opportunities and missed opportunities at the free-throw line. Virginia State capitalized on its senior day momentum, using timely baskets and control of the glass to secure the victory.

VUU Leading Scorers

• Tahj Harding – 15 points (6-of-15 FG, 3-of-11 3PT)
• Bobby Gardner – 14 points (2-of-11 FG, 1-of-5 3PT, 9-of-10 FT)
• Jeremiah Morris – 10 points (4-of-7 FG, 2-of-3 FT)
• Malachi Dark – 6 points
• Travis Vaughn – 5 points

Harding and Gardner combined for 29 of the Panthers' points, with Gardner converting nine of his 10 attempts from the free-throw line. Morris added an efficient scoring performance, shooting 57 percent from the field.

"You have to give credit to Virginia State," said VUU Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Butler. "They came out on senior day and played a good game. We struggled today with rebounding the basketball, missed too many free throws, and did not value the basketball for the entire game. When you're playing for the Northern Division championship you must play at a high level and we just did not play our best game today."

Virginia Union had opportunities to shift momentum but was hindered by turnovers and rebounding deficiencies, which proved costly in the tightly contested division showdown.
Up Next
The Panthers will travel to Baltimore, Md., to compete in the 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament. Brackets will be released on Sunday, February 22.