NCCU Win Streak Ends at Virginia Union

RICHMOND, VA - North Carolina Central University had its three-game winning streak end Wednesday night at the Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond, VA, as the host Panthers of Virginia Union University downed the Eagles, 75-66.

For only the second time this season, NCCU finished with more turnovers that its opponent, committing 17 to the Panthers' 12. That, however, was not the difference in the outcome of the ball game.

The two determining factors turned out to be rebounding and free throw shooting.

Virginia Union (7-6) out-rebounded the Eagles 41 to 29, including an 18-7 edge on the offensive glass.

NCCU was whistled for twice as many fouls as the home team, 27 to 12, resulting in 20-for-32 free throw shooting for the Panthers. The Eagles visited the charity stripe just eight times, capitalizing on five attempts.

Sophomore guard Curtis Knight topped NCCU (9-8) with 23 points, while senior guard Shawn Ray accounted for 12 points and seven assists for the Eagles.

All five VUU starters hit double-figures in the scoring column, led by Duan Crockett's 24 points.