ERIE, Pa. — Virginia Union University's men's basketball team asserted itself by toppling No. 2 West Liberty 52–46 on Saturday, March 14, in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament Atlantic Region at Highmark Events Center. Notably, this marked VA Union’s first NCAA Tournament victory since 2023.West Liberty entered the Atlantic Region with one of the most explosive offenses in all of Division II basketball. The Hilltoppers were averaging 98.8 points, ranking as the No. 2 scoring offense in the nation.The Hilltoppers’ season included their 17th straight NCAA Tournament appearance.The Panthers' defense forced 19 turnovers, converting them into transition points and holding West Liberty to just 18 first-half points. Virginia Union led 24–18 at halftime and never relented.Bobby Gardner Delivers Off the Bench. Bobby Gardner paced Virginia Union with 23 points off the bench, nearly half the team's total in a defensive battle.…