Feb. 24, 2007

Final Stats

ELIZABETH CITY, NC- It took ten extra minutes outside of regulation however the Virginia Union University Panther managed to hold on for a 95-94 double overtime win over Elizabeth City State University Saturday before a nationally televised audience.

With the scored tied at 70 apiece in the waning seconds of regulation, Devin Mooring's rebound and put-back of a missed Jabyron Wilson tip-in gave the Vikings 72-70 lead with 4 seconds remaining. The with on second left on the clock, Mooring was whistled for a foul sending LaKeith Blanks to the free throw line where he calmly sank both shots to send the game to the 1st overtime. Both teams scored 7 points each in the first extra session resulting in another 5 minute extension. The Vikings held a 4-point advantage with 35 seconds left before a dunk by Blanks trimmed the lead to two. After two missed free throws by Anthony Hilliard, Blanks followed with a 3-pointer with 15 seconds to go giving the Panthers a 92-91 lead. Five seconds later, Olajuwon Johnson gave ECSU a 94-92 edge with a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Unfortunately for the Vikings the game's final shot from downtown would come from VUU's Steve Miller with 4 seconds left. A last second heave by Hilliard missed its mark and the Panthers held on for the win improving to 19-4, 16-4 in the CIAA.

The Panthers placed five in double figures with Brad Byerson leading the way with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Blanks finished with 18 points off the bench.

Anthony Hilliard led all scorers with 30 points while Devin Mooring, in his final home game, netted 19 points.

ECSU (12-15) will enter the 2007 CIAA Tournament as the #7 seed overall and will play in first round action on Wednesday, February 28th at the Bobcat Arena in Charlotte, NC. For more information visit www.theciaa.com or www.ecsuvikings.com.