Livingstone knocks off Seventh Ranked Virginia Union 80-73

Salisbury, NC – Livingstone College scheduled one of its toughest match-ups for late in the season. On tonight, the Blue Bears hosted the Panthers of Virginia Union University in New Trent Gymnasium. Desperate for a conference victory, Livingstone exploded to an early ten-point lead (16-6) and a small cushion for the first half. Jerome LaGrange, who scored 19 points in the first half, led the Blue Bears to a 39- 32 half-time lead. With nothing to lose, Livingstone (7-15, 1-11 CIAA) upset CIAA Eastern Division leader Virginia Union (15-8, 7-3 CIAA) 80-73.

Virginia Union trailed the entire first half by shooting 9 of 29 (31%) and by Livingstone playing an aggressive offense. The Blue Bears shot 51 percent in the half driving to the basket and making higher percentage shots. The intermission break appeared too long for LC for the second half began a lot different than the first. Virginia Union began making better decisions on the floor improving their shot selections and forcing more turnovers. The Panthers rolled on a 12-5 run to tie the game at 44 with 15:57 on the clock. Union proceeded to a 14-7 run that put VUU up by 11 with 10:36 remaining.

Jerome LaGrange put on an offensive clinic to score 12 of 15 points on a 15-4 run to tie the score at 62 with 6:05 ticking away. His vengeance over the Panthers continued, as he demanded his teammates to accept his challenge and provide support. LaGrange provided eight of 12 points as the Blue Bears pushed another run of 12-4 to extend an eight point lead.

With a minute remaining, Virginia Union began running crisis management; calling timeouts after every made basket and fouling to regain possession with time to score. Unfortunately for the Panthers, who were ranked seventh in the South Atlantic Region, time expired for them with a seven-point deficit. Jerome LaGrange performed a career best 44 points. Olufemi Abiodun also contributed double figures with 12 points.

Duan Crockett led Virginia Union in their struggle with 22 points. Wayne Wallace added a double-double in the effort with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Woolen added 10 points. Virginia Union shot 43 percent from the floor and 66 percent from the free-throw line. Livingstone shot 48 percent from the floor and 83 percent from the charity stripe.

Livingstone College will honor its seniors tomorrow night in New Trent Gymnasium in a double-header match-up against the Falcons of Saint Augustine’s College. The women will tip-off at 5:30 with the men’s game following. The ceremony will be conducted prior to the men’s contest.