Virginia Union University's Terrell Leach scored 25 points while Will Jenkins had a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds as VUU defeated Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 78-75 on Saturday, January 26, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.
In a fiercely fought battle throughout, VUU sealed the win on free throws by Leach and Demarius Pitts with 10 seconds left to play.
Pitts finished with 15 points in the win.
"It was a good win today because Lincoln's a tough team," said VUU Head Coach Jay Butler. "They're very athletic and they play extremely hard. I thought our guys came out and matched Lincoln's intensity because it was a war on the boards today. We lost the rebounding war by one (37-36) but kept fighting and made plays down the stretch when we needed to. I thought we missed too many free throws but I thought we did a good job in the second half taking care of the basketball."
Leach hit 10 of 21 shots from the field. The junior from High Point, N.C., is now averaging 20.3 points per game for the Panthers.
"Once again, Terrell stepped up and made plays," Butler said. "Will had another double-double while Demarius also stepped up and made plays."
VUU's Eric Bowles was the floor general, dishing out a team-high seven assists in the win.
"I tip my hat to Eric," Butler said. "He had five turnovers in the first half, but in the second half he had zero. I told him at halftime that he had to take care of the basketball and he did a great job."
The win raised Virginia Union's record to 11-8 overall and 7-2 in the CIAA. Lincoln fell to 12-9 overall and 5-5 in CIAA play.
Virginia Union now travels to Elizabeth City, N.C., to face Elizabeth City State University at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30.