The Mr Hyde version of VCU made an appearance at George Washington University last night, falling to the Colonials 76-66 in a night the black and gold struggled to hit shots.
The teams traded leads throughout the first half until GW went on a 8-0 run over the final two minutes and 49 seconds to take a 36-29 lead into the lockers. That difference proved enough to keep VCU at bay, as the Rams got within three, but saw every challenge answered with a GW mini-run.
VCU hit just 36.8% of their shots on the night while surrendering 56.3% shooting to GW, yet were within arms reach most of the game despite that discrepancy and a 16-rebound disadvantage. The Rams did so by doing what they do, forcing 21 Colonial turnovers.
VCU has had a 16.2% or worse shooting disadvantage in all four of their losses this season.
One Ram who didn’t struggle to score however was senior, Rob Brandenberg. The speedy guard connected on seven of his 12 attempts, leading VCU with 17 points while adding teams highs in assists (3), steals (3) and grabbed three rebounds in the loss.
The four other VCU starters struggled on offense, combing for 13-of-39 shooting (33%) while hitting just 42.8% of their 14 free throw attempts.
VCU’s bench struggled to contribute offensively as well, adding 13 points — 11 from sophomore Melvin Johnson — but got just 5-17 shooting from the bench as a group.
Defensively the Rams did great in turning over GW, but struggled to defend the paint, giving up 65.7% shooting inside the arc.
The loss moves VCU to 13-4 and 1-1 in Atlantic 10 play. The Rams return to the Siegel Center Saturday for a 4PM homecoming tilt against the Dukes of Duquesne.
