The University of the Virgin Islands men’s basketball team fell short in its first game of the YES USVI HBCU Classic to Virginia Union University 60-56 at the Digna Wheatley Gymnasium in St. Thomas on Thursday afternoon. The Buccaneers fall to 2-4 on the season with the loss.
UVI opened the game with a 10-6 lead against their Division II opponents, but Virginia Union quickly regained control, leading to a halftime score of 32-25 in their favor. Junior guard Devin Binyard was a standout performer for the Buccaneers, contributing 10 points in the first half.
In the second half, Virginia Union extended its lead to 14 points, appearing to distance itself from the Buccaneers. However, UVI mounted an impressive comeback, culminating in a 14-4 run. This surge, highlighted by two crucial free throws from junior guard Chad Molloy, brought the Buccaneers within one point. Despite Virginia Union’s efforts to secure its lead, UVI remained resilient. With only 30 seconds left and trailing by three points, a missed field goal attempt diminished UVI’s chances of a comeback. On the ensuing possession, the Buccaneers were forced to foul, and a successful free throw by Virginia Union sealed the game.
Binyard and Molloy each finished the game with 12 points for UVI.
Joshua Caine led Virginia Union with 15 points.
The Buccaneers will return to action on the second day of the YES USVI HBCU Classic, facing Southern University at New Orleans at 10 a.m. at the Digna Wheatley Gymnasium.
