48 hours after dropping a tough, overtime game to cross town rivals, University of Richmond, VCU looked to bounce back against LaSalle.
LaSalle, still riding the high of handing Butler their first conference loss, was determined to get out of Richmond with a win and they did, 69-61.
The Rams came on strong defensively from the tip, causing the Explorers to call two quick timeouts in the first few minutes. On the offensive end, Junior Juvonte Reddic was responsible for the Rams first 6 points and finished with 22 in the loss. The starting center would also grab 10 boards.
The game was a series of runs by both teams. VCU drew first blood by going on a 12-2 run early only to be topped by LaSalle, who went on a 14-0 run, making it a ten point lead for the road team, 32-22 with five minutes left in the first. The Rams would trail by 9 at the break, 35-24.
Sophomore, Treveon Graham, would help lead VCU on a 15-0 run to start the second half to give the Rams a 6 point lead. Graham would have a double double on the night with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The lead would not be enough for VCU as LaSalle’s Ramon Galloway would have a career night for the Explorers with 31 points. LaSalle’s bench would out score the Rams 12-3.
VCU shot just 38% from the field and left 7 points at the free throw line going 11-18 from the stripe.
This would mark the first time since 1952 that LaSalle would beat two ranked teams in one season (Butler #9 & VCU #19).
The Rams move to 16-5 on the season and will play at Rhode a island on Wednesday, January 30th.
