Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Rams run roughshod over Hawks

Final score: VCU 88, StJ 63. 

Location: Hagan Arena in Philadelphia

Current records: VCU 21-7, 12-3 in A-10. St. Joe's 7-9, 13-15 in A-10.  

In a nutshell:  Shooting guard Jayden Nunn exploded for VCU’s first eight points. By halftime he had 23 on nine-for-nine shooting from the field and the Rams enjoyed a 40-to-30 lead. In the second half Nunn didn't let up. He finished with 31 points. 

Showing no signs of last week's knee injury, forward Jalen DeLoach chimed in with 19 points. By the way, Nunn is the second Ram to top 30 points this season, as point guard Ace Baldwin poured in 37 at Saint Louis. 

The Rams simply overpowered the Hawks from the start and, truth be told, the game's outcome never really seemed much in doubt. Judging from VCU's last two lopsided wins, it appears Mike Rhoades may have his young team peaking at just the right time. 

NOTES: (Information provided by Chris Kowalczyk, VCU Assistant A.D.)

  • Nunn finished the game shooting a red hot 12-of-13 from the floor, including seven-of-seven from three-point range. It’s the most made threes without a miss by a Ram in program history.
  • DeLoach's 19 points tied his career-high. He also grabbed seven rebounds. 
  • Forward Brandon Johns added eight points and three rebounds for the Black and Gold.
  • VCU shot 53 percent (31-of-59) from the field overall, including 58 percent (11-of-19) from three-point range.
  • On the defensive end, VCU limited the Hawks to 38-percent (21-of-56) shooting. The Rams also forced 15 turnovers and turned them into 20 points.
  • VCU owned a 35-30 advantage on the glass and turned the ball over just nine times.
  • VCU has won seven straight road games.
  • VCU maintains its hold on sole possession of first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference with tonight's win.
  • Erik Reynolds led Saint Joseph’s with 21 points. 

BOX SCORE

 

NEXT UP

The VCU Rams will host crosstown rival Richmond Spiders at the Siegel Center on Friday. Both teams are coming off of a victory. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ESPN2 will carry the live broadcast. 


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