VCU defeats Fordham, 82-to-63

Final Score: VCU 82, Fordham 63
Location: Siegel Center
Updated Records: VCU 22-7, 13-3 in A-10. Fordham 16-13, 7-9 in A-10.

In a nutshell: Following its rather disappointing loss on the road at Saint Louis, VCU returned to West Broad Street for Homecoming. The team played well on defense in the first half and then well enough on offense in the second half. Jadrian Tracey and three of his teammates all scored in double figures. 

Tracey scored 15 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists. Barry Evans scored 13 points, got six rebounds made three assists. Lazar Djokovic and Nyk Lewis both scored 11 points and pulled down four rebounds. Brandon Jennings scored eight points, got seven boards, dished out three assists and made three steals. All nine of VCU's players who got in the game scored points.

VCU's restored confidence should have the Rams ready for their two remaining regular season games (George Mason at home and at Dayton).  

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

·      VCU built a 37-22 halftime lead with a stout defensive effort. The Black and Gold held. Fordham to 20 percent (6-of-30) shooting in the first half, including 2-of-11 from beyond the arc.

·      Fordham used a 13-0 burst early in the second period, capped by a 3-pointer by Akira. Jacobs, to cut VCU’s lead to just 43-41 at the 15:28 mark. But VCU steadied itself. Evans. responded with a traditional three-point play on the ensuing possession to kick off a 16-5 VCU run over the next four minutes.

·      VCU’s lead would balloon to as many as 23 points, at 80-57, on a Tracey corner 3-pointer with 3:14 remaining.

·      The Black and Gold shot 48 percent (28-of-58) from the field in the contest, including 38 percent (11-of-29) from 3-point range. Fordham shot just 33 percent (20-of-61) in the game.

·      DeJour Reeves, the Atlantic 10 Conference’s leading scorer, led all players with 22 points and eight assists Saturday.

·      VCU owned a 43-36 rebounding advantage and outscored Fordham 32-20 in the paint.

·      VCU’s win cliched one of the top four seeds, and a double bye, at the upcoming Atlantic 10 Conference Championship.

·      VCU has won 11 straight games over Fordham and is 17-1 all-time in the series.

·      Eight VCU players scored at least seven points Saturday.

 

BOXSCORE

NEXT UP: VCU will host George Mason on Tuesday, March 3. Following the Senior Day ceremony tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network. 

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