The Livingstone College men's basketball team defeated Virginia Union University 79-76 in a second half battle. Anthony Welch's three pointer in the final seconds of the game powered the Blue Bears to their first victory against the Panthers in Richmond, Virginia.

Mark Thomas (Saginaw, MI) played dominate offensively over the Panthers. Thomas hit eight-of-12 shots and finished with 24 points.

Along with Welch's 17 points, Eladio Espinoza (Summit, NJ) added 10 points and eight rebounds. Espinoza hit five-of nine shots, and finished with five assists.

Virginia Union had four players to score double figures. In the first half the Panthers shot 68 percent from the field compared to the Blue Bears 40 percent.

The win improves the Blue Bears to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in the CIAA.

Livingstone will continue their tour of the CIAA Northern Division as they travel to Lincoln, PA to face Lincoln University (PA), on January 7.  Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m.