Tuesday, December 23, 2025

VCU over easy on Rider: 100-to-79

Final Score: VCU 100, Rider 79.
Location: Siegel Center
Updated Records: VCU 9-4, Rider 1-10.

In a nutshell: Talk about depth. The Rams bench scored 62 points! That, as Rider's bench managed to score just 20 points. 

Off VCU's bench: sophomore guard Ahmad Nowell scored 19 points (a career high) to lead the way. While junior forward Keyshawn Mitchell produced his second double-double of the season, with 14 points and 10 rebounds  

Once again VCU coasted through the first half, then, 
in the second half, stepped up its defense and buried its opponent with an avalanche of points. Which all works fine against weaker teams. But that's a dicey pattern and it asks for trouble if it continues into the challenging conference schedule coming up. 

Noteworthy Rams stats: Nowell sank all five of his 3-point attempts. Lazar Djokovic scored 13 points, grabbed three rebounds and made one steal; all in a mere 17 minutes on the floor. Terrence Hill scored 12 points, snatched two rebounds and dished for three assists.  

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

      Mitchell converted 7-of-8 attempts from the line.

      Rams guard Terrence Hill Jr. provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, converting all of his free-throw attempts.

      Rider was led by Shemani Fuller with 15 points, while Zion Cruz and Caleb Smith each scored 13.

      The Black and Gold shot a season-high 58 percent (36-of-62) from the floor and 48 percent (11-of-23) from 3-point range.

      The Rams controlled the paint, outscoring the Broncs 50-32.

      VCU used a decisive 23-5 run, highlighted by three 3-pointers from Nowell, to extend the lead to 71-48 with 12:16 remaining. Rider never seriously threatened again..

      VCU has topped the 100-point mark four times this season, the first time since the 1975-76 campaign the Rams have reached the century mark four times.

      The Rams have won a season-high three straight games.



NEXT UP: VCU opens its Atlantic 10 play against St. Bonaventure on Wednesday, December 31. Tipoff at 2 p.m. TV: MASN and ESPN+. 

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