VSU Men and VUU Women Capture CIAA Tournament Titles

By Randy Singleton
Community Affairs Correspondent
New Journal and Guide

CHARLOTTE, N.C.
The Virginia State University men’s basketball team and the Virginia Union women’s basketball team won the 2016 CIAA tournament championships at the Time Warner Arena in Charlotte, NC Saturday (Feb. 27). The VSU men defeated Livingstone College 89-79, while the VUU women edged Shaw University 70-66.

VSU was led by Javon Moore who scored 30-points and Kevin Williams who chipped in 24-points. Virginia State broke open a close game in the second half, keeping Livingstone off-balance with a pressure defense. VSU also cashed in at the free-throw line, hitting 78 percent of their shots.
In the women’s game, Virginia Union was led by tournament MVP Kiana Johnson who scored a game-high 32-points. Center Lady Walker scored 23-points, and Taylor White added 12-points. VUU pulled away late in the fourth period to secure the win in a game which saw the score tied 11 times and 10 lead changes.

The CIAA tournament featured a host of celebrities, including Anthony Hamilton, who sang the national anthem; singer Lyfe Jennings, who performed a halftime; actress Demetria McKinney; singers Tank and Dwele; and CIAA legends Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, A. B. Whitfield, and Bobby Dandrige.
CIAA Commissioner Jacquie McWilliams thanked the New Journal and Guide for covering the event. She also announced next year’s tournament will run from Feb. 20-26 in Charlotte.
For more info, please visit: www.theciaa.com