Rams Defeat Patriots: VCU 85, Mason 70

Final Score: VCU 85, George Mason 70 

Location: Fairfax, Va. (EagleBank Arena)

Current Records: VCU 16-7 (9-3 Atlantic 10), George Mason 12-11 (5-5)

 

VCU's crafty sophomore point guard Ace Baldwin Jr. dished for 10 assists in leading the 55.6-percent-shooting Rams in a near-avalanche of scoring -- at least, it was for a usually defense-minded team that sometimes struggles to break 60 points. For much of the game, it seemed the Rams shooters could hit from anywhere they liked on the Patriots' floor. Baldwin and versatile senior forward Vince Williams both scored 18 points, as VCU led wire-to-wire in what was a rather convincing road victory.

The information below was supplied by Chris Kowalczyk, VCU Assistant A.D.

OPENING TIP

·      Baldwin connected on 5-of-10 attempts from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range

·      Williams’ performance was indicative of VCU’s efficiency on the day. He made 7-of-10 attempts, including 2-of-4 from three-point distance

·      Freshman guard Jayden Nunn added 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting for the Black and Gold. He finished the day 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and provided six rebounds, four assists and two steals

·      Senior guard KeShawn Curry (11 points) and junior forward Hason Ward (10 points) also recorded double-figures for the Rams. Ward added six rebounds. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field and 2-of-2 at the free throw line

·      Josh Oduro led George Mason with 18 points and nine rebounds

 

THE DIFFERENCE

·      VCU delivered its best offensive performance of the year. The Rams tied a season-high with 85 points and shot .556 (30-of-54) from the field, including 9-of-20 from 3-point range. The Rams connected on 16-of-18 free throws

·      The Rams forced 17 turnovers and outscored the Patriots 20-9 off turnover opportunities. VCU also owned a 38-24 scoring advantage in the paint

·      Curry buried a 3-pointer from the right corner at the 5:23 mark of the first half to cap a 7-0 VCU burst that turned a tight game into a 29-20 VCU lead. The Rams would take a 40-30 lead into the break

·      The Rams opened the second half on a tear. VCU hit 8-of-9 shots during a 21-9 run over the first 5:23 of the period, capped by three straight 3-pointers – two by Nunn and one from Williams. VCU led 61-39 at that stage and owned a double-digit lead the remainder of the night

·      Mason did manage a 10-0 run, punctuated by a Gaines 3-pointer, to pull within 63-51 with 9:26 left, but the Rams responded with five straight points to end the threat

·      The visiting Rams outrebounded the Patriots 30-25

 

NOTABLE

·      VCU has won three straight games and finds itself tied for second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference standings with Dayton at 9-3. Davidson (10-2) owns a one-game lead in the league race

·      The Rams improved to 7-1 in true road games this season

·      The Rams registered five players in double-figures for the first time since Dec. 30, 2020 at Saint Joseph’s

·      VCU leads the all-time series with George Mason 44-22

 

NEXT UP

VCU will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Fordham. Tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 7 p.m.