Rams Survive Rally by Dukes

Final Score: VCU 82, James Madison 81

Location: Richmond, Va. (Siegel Center)

Current Records: VCU 7-2, James Madison 3-3

 

The short story: Junior forward Vince Williams hit a crucial step-back jumper in the final minute as VCU held off comeback-minded James Madison for the Rams’ fifth straight victory.

 

OPENING TIP

·      Williams led VCU with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in 33 minutes of action. He connected on 5-of-10 attempts from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range

·      Freshman point guard Ace Baldwin supplied eight points and handed out a career-high 10 assists for VCU

·      Sophomore guard Bones Hyland also dropped 15 for the Black & Gold, while junior guard KeShawn Curry, in his first game back following a shoulder injury on Dec. 2, poured in 13 points off the bench

·      Freshman Jamir Watkins and sophomore Tre Clark added nine points each for the Rams, while Corey Douglas provided seven rebounds and five blocks

·      CAA Preseason Player of the Year Matt Lewis paced the Dukes with 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists

 

THE DIFFERENCE

·      VCU built a 21-point first half lead behind a defense that forced 14 turnovers and limited the Dukes to 39 percent shooting (10-of-26) in the opening period

·      JMU used a 9-0 burst to close within 77-74 with 1:30 remaining. On the ensuing possession, the left-handed Williams buried a step-back 17-footer from the right elbow with 41 seconds remaining and the shot clock running low to keep the Dukes at bay. The Rams hit 3-of-4 free throws in the remaining moments to clinch the victory

·      VCU forced 18 turnovers and turned those into 22 points

·      The Rams shot .455 (30-of-66) from the field. James Madison hurt itself with 12 missed free throws (15-of-27)

 

NOTABLE

·      VCU has won five straight games to close out non-conference play. The Rams have not trailed in the last 189:47 of game time

·      Baldwin’s 10 assists were the most by a Ram since Samir Doughty dished out 10 in a win over Saint Joseph’s on Feb. 14, 2017

·      This was the first meeting between these two schools since 2012. VCU leads the all-time series 45-21

-    Box score

 

UP NEXT

VCU is scheduled to kick off Atlantic 10 Conference play on Wednesday, Dec. 30 against Saint Joseph’s at Hagan Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. The game is scheduled to tip-off at noon on NBC Sports Washington.

-- Game notes from Chris Kowalczyk, VCU Assistant A.D.