VCU Stumbles at Davidson

Final Score: Davidson 65, VCU 57

Location: Davidson, N.C. (Belk Arena)

Current Records: VCU 17-6 (10-4 A-10), Davidson 12-7 (7-4)

 

The short story: On the road Saturday the VCU Rams lost their battle with the Davidson Wildcats in what was the regular-season finale for both teams.

 

OPENING TIP

• With his second double-double of the season sophomore forward Hason Ward continued his noteworthy progress: 10 points and 10 boards. He also contributed a pair of steals and a block.
• Freshman guard Jamir Watkins, in his second game as a starter, finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two steals.
• Freshman guard Josh Banks provided seven points coming off the bench for the Rams.
• Before an injury sidelined him, Rams junior forward Vince Williams added 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. 
• Luka Brajkovic led three Davidson players in double figures with 15 points.
  

THE DIFFERENCE

• Davidson shot 50 percent (12-of-24) in the second half, compared to 36 percent (10-of-28) for VCU. 
• Davidson cashed in on 15 VCU turnovers with 14 points.
• Williams buried a 3-pointer with 11:31 left in the game, to push VCU in front 43-42. Then on the ensuing possession Davidson’s Kellan Grady answered with a 3-pointer of his own. VCU would not lead again.

NOTABLE

• VCU played its second straight game without sophomore guard and leading scorer Bones Hyland (foot), as well as key reserve KeShawn Curry (who is with his family during a period of mourning). At the 9:59 mark of the second half in yesterday's tilt, Vince Williams left with an ankle injury and did not return. 
• Box score.
  
• VCU has secured the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament.
  
• Next for the Rams: VCU will open A-10 Tournament action on Fri., Mar. 5 at 3:30 p.m. Its opponent is yet to be determined. That contest will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.
• Although the shorthanded Rams (playing without their top two scorers and a key sub) lost two of their last three games, the next men up who got increased playing time showed well. Thus, going into March VCU has strengthened it bench.  
  
• In the A-10 tournament, the games of Mar. 3-6 will be played either at the Siegel Center or the Robins Center. Then, on Mar. 14, the tournament's championship game will take place at the UD Arena in Dayton.

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