Location: Stuart C. Siegel Center
Updated Records: VCU 13-6, 4-2 n A-10; Saint Joseph’s 11-8, 3-3 in A-10..
In a nutshell: Both teams played well; it was a pretty good game. However, after being behind by seven points early in the second half a VCU rally, spurred on by the Rams bench, put the kybosh on the St. Joseph's Hawks' effort to upset the home team.
Coming off of the bench Michael Belle scored a career-high 20 points, as VCU topped Saint Joseph’s Monday afternoon at the Siegel Center. Belle also got five rebounds, blocked two shots and made three steals.
Some other noteworthy Rams stats: Brandon Jennings scored 18 points, grabbed three rebounds and made two steals. Terrence Hill scored 13 points, snatched two rebounds, dished for eight assists and made three steals.
NOTES (Information provided by Chris Kowalczyk, VCU Assistant A.D.)
● With 16:27 remaining, the Rams trailed, 43-36, but VCU chipped away over the next six-plus minutes. Belle tied the game at 59-59 with a layup at the 7:43 mark, and Jennings buried a 3-pointer a short time later to push the Rams to a 63-59 advantage with 6:18 left. A Belle layup with 3:42 on the clock extended the margin to 66-61, and Jennings added his fourth triple with 3:09 remaining to keep the Hawks at bay at 69-63.
● Tyrell Ward chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and hit 4-of-6 from the line in 22 minutes for the Rams.
● Saint Joseph’s was paced by Derek Simpson, who finished with 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
● VCU forced 18 Saint Joseph’s turnovers and outscored the Hawks 12-8 in turnover opportunities. The Rams committed 10 turnovers.
● The Rams were fueled in part by a 20-12 second-half rebounding advantage. VCU corralled eight offensive boards in the second half and turned them into 13 second-chance points.
● The Black and Gold shot 50 percent (15-of-30) in the second half, including 5-of-12 from beyond the arc.
● The Rams totaled 17 assists on 27 made field goals.
● With Saint Joseph’s within three in the final minute, the Rams went a perfect 5-for-5 at the free-throw line over the final 30 seconds to close out the win.
● VCU head coach Phil Martelli Jr. was facing his alma mater Monday.
● The game featured nine ties and 11 lead changes, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of the matchup.
● Terrence Hill Jr. reached double figures for the ninth straight game.
● VCU has won nine straight against Saint Joseph’s and leads the all-time series, 14-5.
NEXT UP: On Saturday, January 24, the Rams will travel to Davidson. The game will be broadcast on USA Network.
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