Location: Philadelphia (Glaser Arena)
Updated Records: VCU 19-6, 10-2 in A-10. La Salle 7-18, 3-9 in A-10.
in a nutshell: VCU probably played its best game of the season in trouncing Dayton (99-to-73) on February 6th at the Siegel Center, So it was no surprise when there was somewhat of a letdown in the Rams next effort. Given that likelihood, VCU was rather fortunate to escape Philadelphia last night with a win over La Salle.
Yes, the Rams managed to win their eighth consecutive game, but it wasn't pretty. Without a spectacular performance by Lazar Djokovic, the homestanding Explorers would probably have snapped the Rams winning streak
Djokovic had himself quite a game. He scored a career-high 26 points, added eight boards and blocked one shot.
Other noteworthy Rams stats: Nyk Lewis scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to register his second double-double of the season. He also dished out four assists. Jadrian Tracey and Terrence Hill both scored 14 points. Michael Belle blocked four shots and also got seven rebounds.
NOTES: (Information provided by Chris Kowalczyk, VCU Assistant A.D.)
· VCU shot 48 percent (29-of-60) in the contest and held the Explorers to 39 percent (24-of-61) from the floor, including 4-of-19 from 3-point range.
· Behind Djokovic, the Rams carved out a 40-32 advantage in points in the paint.
· La Salle used a 10-0 run to briefly take a 31-29 lead with 2:52 left in the first half. But the Black and Gold closed the period on an 8-0 run, six from Djokovic, to take a 37-31 lead into the locker room. VCU would not trail again and would lead by as many as 13 in the second half. The Explorers did manage to cut the Rams’ lead to 71-66 with 2:40 remaining, but Djokovic answered with a bucket and Hill knocked down 4-of-4 free throws down the stretch to keep La Salle at bay.
· Rob Dockery led La Salle with 17 points.
· VCU outrebounded La Salle 43-33, and the Rams came up with 16 offensive boards in the game.
· VCU has won 11 straight games against La Salle, a streak that dates back to the 2015-16 season. The Rams are 15-2 all-time against the Explorers.
· VCU led for 33:27 of Wednesday’s contest.
NEXT UP: On Saturday, February 14,. VCU will travel six miles to the west to face Richmond. Tipoff will be at 6 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network.
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