Sputtering offense dooms Rams; Billikens prevail

Final Score: Saint Louis 71, VCU 62.
Location: Siegel Center 
Updated Records: Saint Louis 14-1 (2-0 in A-10).. VCU 11-5 (2-1 in A-10).

In a nutshell: The game matched what many think are the two best teams in the Atlantic 10. Both are known for their high scoring offenses. When the game started both teams raced up and down the floor and missed a lot of shots. However, eventually Saint Louis began hitting shots, but VCU kept on missing. 

So the Rams finished the game having sunk just 29 percent of their shots from the field. That, while the Billikens made good on 43 percent (27-of-63) of their field goal attempts. Put simply, that was the difference. 

The Rams shooting was actually the coldest of the season. To their credit, they never quit; they just couldn't hit wide open shots. Saint Louis led for 38:38 of the game. After a furious rally, VCU led (62-to-61) for 13 seconds, late in the contest.  

A few VCU stats: Coming off the bench Terrence Hill led the Rams scoring with 17 points. Lazar Djokovic’s scored 11 points, grabbed 12 boards and blocked two shots. Michael Belle scored 10 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked two shots.

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

●      VCU trailed by as many as 14 points, at 49-35, following a Kellen Thames layup with 12:11 remaining. But the Rams chipped away. A traditional three-point play by Djokovic sparked a 12-2 VCU run that culminated in a drive and layup by sophomore guard Ahmad Nowell that gave the Rams a 62-61 lead with 2:30 on the clock. But Saint Louis took command down the stretch. The Billikens outscored VCU 10-0 in the final 2:30, including a go-ahead 3-pointer from the right wing with 2:17 left.  

 ●      Jadrian Tracey tied a career-high with four steals.

●      Thames led the Billikens with a career-high 18 points and 10 rebounds.   

●      Saint Louis also took advantage in the paint as they outscored VCU 40-24.

●      Wednesday’s match-up pitted the Atlantic 10 Conference’s preseason No. 1 (VCU) and No. 2 (Saint Louis) teams against one another.

●      Both teams received 30 points from their bench.

●      The Rams shot 83 percent (20-of-24) from the free throw line.

 

BOXSCORE

NEXT UP: VCU will hit the road to face George Mason on Saturday, January. 10. Tipoff at noon. TV: ESPNU. 

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