Rams Stifle Explorers

Final score: VCU 73, La Salle 62
Location: Richmond, Va. (Stuart C. Siegel Center)
Current Records: VCU 12-4 (5-2 A-10), La Salle 7-10 (4-6)
 
The short story: In A-10 action sophomore guard Bones Hyland scored 24 points in leading VCU past La Salle at the Siegel Center.

 

OPENING TIP

• In addition to his scoring output, Hyland dished out four assists and grabbed four boards in the contest. He connected on 3-of-6 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc and converted 11-of-12 free throws
• Sophomore forward Hason Ward recorded his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Rams. He was 6-of-7 from the floor
• VCU junior forward Vince Williams Jr. contributed 11 points and grabbed four rebounds
• Additionally, freshman guard Ace Baldwin Jr. showcased his versatility with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Rams
• Sherif Kenny led La Salle with 20 points

 

THE DIFFERENCE

• La Salle led for the majority of the first half, but Hyland hit a 3-pointer to spark a 9-0 VCU over the final 4:33 of the period to send the Rams to the locker room with a 33-30 lead. To start the second half the Rams used a 10-4 burst to extend their lead to 43-34.
  
• VCU won the rebounding battle 37-29. The Rams recorded 13 offensive rebounds, which resulted in 13 second-chance points
• VCU continued its dominance in the paint this season scoring 38 points near the basket
• The Rams shot 81 percent (21-of-26) from the free throw line

 

NOTABLE

• Hyland scored 20-plus points for the seventh time this season
• Baldwin’s performance is his first with 10 points and at least five assists as a Ram
• VCU improved to 10-2 all-time against La Salle
• The Rams are 7-1 at home this season
• Box score
  

 

UP NEXT

 

VCU will take on always tough Rhode Island on Wed., Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., at the Ryan Center in Kingston, R.I.  

-- Game notes from Chris Kowalczyk, VCU assistant A.D.