Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was coming off a much needed three-game winning streak and faced their long time rival Richmond on Tuesday. Both the Atlantic 10 Conference teams came into the contest with matching 15-5 records. In the end, however, VCU was too much for Richmond winning 87-68.
VCU got off to a hot start and was pushing the ball in transition and playing with a sense of urgency.
VCU’s stifling defense led to transition offense and easy baskets.
Junior Guard De’Riante Jenkins hit his first few shots and set the tone for the game. He would finish with 14 points on 6-11 shooting.
After a 13 point deficit, the Spiders fought back to eventually take a three-point lead. Freshman VCU guard Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland hit his fourth three of the half to tie the game at 39.
At halftime, VCU knew the reason for Richmond’s comeback was self-inflicted. They came out assertive in the second half and went on a run to take a double-digit lead that would put the game out of reach. Forward Corey Douglas contributed 11 points and eight rebounds on 5-8 shooting from the floor.
VCU had five players in double digits. Senior Guard Marcus Evans stated after the game his team has players who could get 20 points a night, but when you have everybody locked in and contributing efficiently on both sides of the ball, they’re a tough team to beat. Evans scored his 2,000th career point on a four-point play in the second half.
Richmond’s top scorer was forward Grant Golden. Richmond struggled from three-point range as they shot 21 percent from the field. VCU has been one of the best teams in the country defending the long ball, however.
This win moves VCU to 16-5 and 6-2 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The loss drops Richmond to 15-6 and 5-3 in conference play.
VCU will travel to Rhode Island on Friday, January 31st. While Richmond will host George Washington on Saturday, February 1st.