VCU Comeback Edges Rhody

Final Score: VCU 63, Rhode Island 62

Location: Kingston, R.I. (Ryan Center)

Current Records: VCU 13-4 (6-2 A-10), Rhode Island 9-10 (6-6 A-10)

 

The short story: Sophomore Bones Hyland buried a go-ahead 3-pointer from the right wing with 3.9 seconds remaining and VCU hung on for its first win at Rhode Island since 2015.

 

OPENING TIP

 

·      Hyland finished with a game-high 23 points, as well as four rebounds and two steals. He was 5-of-9 from 3-point range

·      VCU also received a season-high 15 points and three rebounds from senior forward Levi Stockard III. He converted on 7-of-8 attempts from the floor

·      Sophomore forward Hason Ward added nine rebounds and four blocks and hit a pair of critical free throws in the waning moments for the Black and Gold

·      Ishmael Leggett (injured Fats Russell's substitute) recorded 17 points for Rhode Island

 

THE DIFFERENCE

 

·      On its final possession, trailing 62-60, VCU’s Jamir Watkins missed a 3-pointer from the wing, and teammate Ace Baldwin was able to tip the ball to Hyland, deep on the right wing. Hyland faked, dribbled once and buried the eventual game-winner as the defender sailed past. VCU was whistled for a foul with 1.9 seconds remaining, but Rhode Island missed the front end of a one-and-one, and Ward secured the rebound to preserve the victory

·      Hyland also hit a triple with 3:10 remaining to tie the score at 58-58. A bucket by Rhode Island’s Jeremy Sheppard and two free throws by Leggett pushed URI back in front 62-58. But with 32 seconds left, Ward drew a foul and calmly knocked down a pair from the charity stripe. Rhode Island missed the front end of a one-and-one on its ensuing possession to set the stage for Hyland’s heroics

·      VCU trailed by as many as 10, at 45-35 with 13:26 left in the game, but continued to chip away

·      VCU forced 16 Rhode Island turnovers and outscored URI 17-11 off miscues

·      The Black and Gold were 14-of-18 at the line, while Rhody was just 5-of-8

 

NOTABLE

 

·      The win snapped VCU’s four-game losing streak to Rhode Island. The Black and Gold also secured their first win in Kingston since the 2014-15 season

·      The game marked Hyland’s eighth 20-point effort of the year

·      VCU has won three straight games overall

·      Box score. 

 

NEXT UP

 

VCU is scheduled to meet Duquesne at the new UPMC Cooper Field House in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. That game will the broadcast on NBC Sports Network. 

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