Virginia Union returns to familiar ground: NCAA Division II tournament

A year ago, Virginia Union entered the NCAA Division II tournament feeling good about its chances of securing a fourth national championship.

However, Lenoir-Rhyne cut short the Panthers' postseason journey with a 76-68 victory in the quarterfinals of the South Atlantic Region in Augusta, Ga.

A few weeks later, the Panthers lost legendary coach Dave Robbins, who retired after 30 seasons.

With longtime assistant Willard Coker taking charge of a tradition-rich program, no one knew what to expect this season - save Coker's CIAA brethren, who predicted his team to finish in the middle of the conference pack.

Instead, the Panthers advanced to the CIAA tournament title game where they lost to Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte, N.C. nearly two weeks ago.

And the Panthers are back in the 64-team NCAA tournament for the 10th year in a row. They open tournament play against Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Region in Erie, Pa.

The Panthers, seeking their first national title since 2005, are the No. 2 seed. This will be their first meeting with No. 7-seed IUP, a battle-tested team that lost to Big East powers Pittsburgh and Syracuse.

"We're used to playing tough games, too, because of the quality of teams in our league," said Coker, whose team is 21-6. "You have to play hard every night, and it's what we have to do in the tournament.

"It's a thrill for me that we're in the national tournament, especially this being my first year. I think it shows how the rest of the coaches and players did this year to get to this point."

The Panthers, with the exception of No. 1-seed and host Gannon, is the only recognizable national power among the eight teams in this region tournament. But it's the Panthers who are the targets, partly because of their reputation and the program's pedigree - Charles Oakley, Ben Wallace, Terry Davis and A.J. English.

"I would have felt really bad if we didn't make the tournament, but I am surprised at how high they ranked us," Coker said. "It's an honor to be the second-ranked team in our region, but I'm sure it has a lot to do with the reputation and respect of the program."

It's the three national titles, too. "I hope our reputation gives us an advantage," said Coker, the CIAA coach of the year. "It might make our opponents think a little too hard, but what helps us is if we play well. We have to show them we can play in order for them to fear us."

Coker has been impressed with his team's preparation this week. The Panthers will travel to Erie today, then practice late this afternoon at the Hammermill Center.

"I really don't see that much of a difference in our team," Coker said. "The nucleus of our team [forwards Gregg Thondique and Lemoyne Williams and guard Brandon Byerson] played last year. They are a little more aware of the situation going into the tournament."

"Right now, we have a 1 in 64 chance of winning it all. I'm telling my guys if we play well for three games, we've got a chance to get back to the Final Four at least."