Big night of firsts for Ram fans as VCU kicks off conference play in the Atlantic 10 against the Dayton Flyers. This also marks the first time since the 1984-1985 season that VCU has earned themselves a place in the top 25 USA/Coach’s poll in the regular season. But most importantly, it marks VCU’s first win against a fellow A10 team as the Rams won, 74-62.
Sophomore Treveon Graham got going early and just kept going and was the only scorer to hit doubles digits in the first half with 15 points, ending with 24 on the night. Graham shot 7 of 12 on the night and hit all 10 of his free throws. Junior Juvonte Reddic and Senior Troy Daniels broke the double digit mark with 14 and 12 respectively.
After only a 4 point lead at the half, 36-32, the Rams came out full throtle and continued their Havoc style of play forcing turnovers by the school where Coach Smart was once the head of basketball operations under Coach Oliver Purnell. The Rams were able to capitlize on those turnovers with 25 points.
VCU’s largest lead came with just 4:52 left in the game with 15 points in what otherwise was a fairly tight match up.
Reddic was just one rebound shy of collecting another double double and Sophomore Briante Weber really was the emotional leader on the court and whipped the fans into a frenzy at The Stu with 9 steals on the night.
The win moves the Rams to 13-3 on the season and 1-0 in conference play advancing their winning streak to 10.
VCU will travel to play St. Bonaventure on Saturday January 12th but will be televised locally on CBS 6.3 here in Richmond. The Rams will return to The Stu on Thursday January 17th at 9pm to take on Saint Joseph’s.
