Ram fans waited almost two full weeks to see VCU run the court at The Siegel Center. After getting a win in Charlotte last Saturday, the Rams looked to make it their fourth straight victory as they would play the University of Massachusetts for the first time ever.
The Minutemen gave VCU fits in the first half but the Rams were able to dominate UMass from the start of the second half to get the 86-68 win.
Senior Troy Daniels got the crowd going hitting his first two three pointers to start things off but the Minutemen didn’t ease up and even led by 5 with 3 minutes remaining in the first half.
But in the second half it was all VCU. Everything went their way including 24 turnovers by UMass which VCU converted for 28 points. VCU went on a 16-1 run to start off the second half. The Rams largest lead was 27 points with 5 minutes left in the game.
Sophomore Treveon Graham led all VCU scorers with 19 points while Freshman Melvin Johnson was right behind with 18 points. Junior Rob Brandenberg also got in the double digits with 12.
Coach Smart’s Havoc defense helped the Rams render, A10 preseason player of the year Chaz Williams, virtually a non-factor, limiting him to just 6 points and 7 assists.
UMass’ bench is not nearly as deep as VCU’s which made is easy for our bench to out score them 32-18.
Both teams shot 41% from the field but the Rams outshot the Minutemen 75-51.
Ram Nation also showed a lot of love on this Valentine’s Day match up for DJ Haley, who returned after having missed the last two games.
The win moves VCU to 20-5 on the year and will host George Washington University on Saturday in Richmond at 7:30pm.
