Strong finish enables VCU victory over Davidson

Final Score: VCU 75, Davidson 69
Location: Davidson, N.C. (Belk Arena).
Updated Records: VCU 14-6, 5-2 A-10. Davidson 12-7, 4-3 in A-10. 

In a nutshell: It was a close game for much of the way. On a free throw from Terrence Hill, VCU took the lead with 9:05 remaining in the second half. That made the score 55-to-54.Then, with just 91 seconds left in the game, Davidson closed to within one point. However, VCU stiff-armed the home team's rally. 

Some VCU stats: With 20 points, Lazar Djokovic led five Rams in double figures. He finished the going 7-of-10 from the field and two-for-two from 3-point distance. Djokovic also got eight rebounds and blocked one shot. Terrence Hill Jr. added 14 points and dished out four assists. Brandon Jennings scored 13 points. Michael Belle scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds. 

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

·      VCU trailed 27-20 with 7:49 left in the first half following a Brown jumper. But Djokovic. scored six points and Hill buried a 3-pointer as the Rams closed the period with a 17-4 burst.

·      Davidson pulled within 70-69 a Brown 3-pointer with 1:31 remaining. But the Rams made a defensive stand on the Wildcats’ ensuing possession, and Belle knocked down a pair of free throws with 24.9 left after he was fouled grabbing a rebound. VCU forced an errant Davidson jumper moments later, and Jennings added a free throw for a 73-69 lead with 10 seconds left.

·      VCU shot 55-percent (28-of-51) from the field in the contest, including 59 percent (13-of-22) in the second half.

·      The Rams also owned a 35-24 rebounding advantage, as well as a 14-9 edge in second chance points.

·      Saturday’s performance marked the fifth 20-point game of the year for Djokovic.

·      The Rams have recorded five or more double-digit scorers in eight games this season.

·      Sam Brown led the Wildcats with 18 points. 

·      VCU improved to 15-8 all-time against the Wildcats. The Rams have won seven straight in the series and have captured the last four meetings at Belk Arena.

·      The Rams’ bench outscored Davidson’s 36-18, and VCU owned a 40-32 edge in paint points.

 

BOXSCORE

NEXT UP: On Tuesday, January 27 VCU will host Richmond in this season's first edition of the Capital City Classic. Tipoff at 7 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network. 

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