Written by Antoine Lynch, Athletics Media Specialist

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Shaw University men's basketball team couldn't muster up enough for a full comeback as the Bears fell to Virginia Union University, 85-73 Monday night in a non-conference tilt inside of historic C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium.

With the loss, Shaw falls to 4-14 overall while the Panthers improve to 11-8 on the season.

Both squads battled for an even opening to the contest with VUU holding a slight 10-7 lead at the first media timeout. Shaw gained its only lead of the contest at 17-15 with 10:50 left in the half but the Panthers responded with a 10-2 run going ahead 25-19 before eventually pulling ahead 41-27. Shaw closed the half on a mini run capped by a buzzer beating jump shot by senior guard Greyson Kelley (Raleigh, NC).

VUU rushed out of the break with a 6-0 run before extending their lead to 55-43 with 15:17 left in the contest.  Senior guard DaVaugh Kelsie (Richmond, VA) added three free throws before Kelley added a corner three to trim the VUU lead to 62-54 with 11:15 remaining.  Both teams traded baskets the rest of the contest with the VUU lead extending no more than 10 but with the Bears being unable to trim the deficit to under six. Free throws inside the final minute from the Panthers provided the final deficit for the Bears.

Kelley led the Bears with 25 points followed by Kelsie with 24 points.  The Panthers were led by Terrell Leach with 22 points.

VUU outshot the Bears from the floor finishing at 51-percent compared to Shaw at 36-percent. VUU held the clear rebound advantage at 47-28.

The Bears will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 22 as Shaw travels to Bluefield State for a 4 p.m. tipoff.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, please visit www.shawbears.com.