A-10: Spiders Oust Rams

Final Score: (No. 6) Richmond 75, (No. 3) VCU 64

Location: Washington, D.C. (Capital One Arena)
Up-to-date Overall Records: VCU 21-9, Richmond 21-12
 
For whatever reasons, VCU collapsed in the second half. The Rams looked tired and unfocused. That, while the Spiders Jacob Gilyard had himself a career game at the best time. Now it seems very unlikely VCU will be named to the NCAA tournament's field. However, as consolation, an invitation to the NIT remains a possibility.
 

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

OPENING TIP

• Senior forward Vince Williams scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Senior guard KeShawn Curry scored 14 points and added five rebounds, shooting an efficient 5-of-8 from the field
• Ace Baldwin was the third Ram in double figures with 12 points and a team-high seven assists
• The Rams shot 49 percent from the floor while the Spiders shot 43 percent
• For Richmond Gilyard poured in 32 points and hit 7-of-12 shots from 3-point range

 

THE DIFFERENCE

• Richmond went 26-of-32 at the free throw line while the Rams shot just 6-of-9. The Spiders were 20-of-23 from the charity strip in the second half while VCU was 4-of-7
• The Spiders shot 47 percent (9-of-19) from 3-point range, the highest shooting percentage by a VCU opponent this season. VCU shot just 8-of-22 from behind the arc
• VCU and Richmond battled back-and-forth early and the Rams held a 24-21 lead with 4:55 before halftime after a Levi Stockard jumper
• The Spiders responded with a 16-3 run to go up 37-27 and led the Rams 37-29 at the half
• VCU started the second half on a 9-1 run and tied the game 38-38 on a Williams 3-pointer with 16:30 remaining
• Then the Spiders pushed their lead to 63-49 with 4:33 left before a late VCU rally cut it to 66-61 with 1:09 left. The Rams were unable to get any closer in the loss

 

NOTABLE

• Williams reached double figures in scoring for the 20^th time this season and 41^st time in his career
• VCU is now 15-8 all-time in the Atlantic 10 Tournament

 

NEXT UP

VCU awaits its postseason fate on Sunday evening.