Box Score MURFREESBORO- The Chowan University men's basketball team outlasted Virginia Union University 85-81 in overtime on Saturday evening in CIAA Northern Division play.  The victory pushes the Hawks to 14-12 on the year, 8-8 in the CIAA and 5-5 in divisional play.  The Panthers slip to 9-17 on the season, 5-11 in league play and 4-6 in the CIAA Northern Division.

Kortez Smith led the effort for the Hawks with 19 points in the win.  Kyree Bethel added 18 points while Trevis Buckhanon and Tiron Brown added 15 and 11 points, respectively.  Buckhanon grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds in the victory (three offensive, seven defensive).  Seniors Kyree Bethel, Tiron Brown and Mark Anthony Buright were recognized prior to tip-off of the television game.

D'Andre Bullard led all players in the game with 24 points for Virginia Union.  Avery Jirmnson added 21 points followed by Franky Johnson with 12 points in the setback.

The Panthers overcame six ties and seven lead changes in the first half to take a 30-28 advantage heading into halftime.

Jirmnson's dunk at the 16:40 mark gave Virginia Union a 38-32 lead early in the second half. Trailing 43-42 with 11:26 on the clock, Bethel's three-pointer sparked a 8-1 run for the Hawks and gave Chowan a 51-43 lead.  The eight point lead was the largest advantage of the game by either team. 

A pair of made free throws by Brown provided a 67-59 cushion for the Hawks with 50 seconds left in the game. Chowan help a five point lead (70-65) with 19 seconds in the game before two three-pointers by Virginia Union and a Hawk free-throw knotted the score 71-71 at the end of regulation. 

With the score tied 75-75 and 3:40 on the clock in overtime, back-to-back layups by Smith pushed the Hawks ahead 79-75. Chowan maintained the advantage for the remainder of the contest and secured the 85-81 win.  The Hawks travel to Charlotte, North Carolina next week for the CIAA Tournament.  Bracket information will be released as it becomes available.