After a tough road loss against George Washington University on Tuesday, VCU looked to regain momentum during conference play as they hosted the Duquesne Dukes (8-7, 1-2 A10). This also marked just the second time in history that the teams would match up, VCU winning last year’s meeting and this year would be no different as VCU would win 80-65.
It was a slow start for VCU though. Junior Treveon Graham and Senior Juvonte Reddic, VCU’s leading scorers, shot a combined, 1-6 in the first half as the Rams found the offense to be limited by Duquesne’s defense early.
Senior Rob Brandenberg carried the team through the first half, scoring 11 of the teams 27 points, just 4 points less than Duquesne at the break. 22 of the Duke’s 31 points came from within the paint.
The second half would be a slow start for both teams but Duquesne couldn’t keep up with VCU and the Rams started to pull away 9 minutes into the 2nd half after Sophomore Melvin Johnson got hot from behind the arch with a couple three pointers to put the Rams up 45-38 with 10:20 left. Johnson would end the night with 4 three pointers and would lead all Rams with 12 points.
Reddic and Graham also would get things going in the 2nd half where they both collectively chipped in for 19 points and 17 rebounds, Graham with 10 points and Reddic scoring 9.
It was 5th year Senior Terrance Shannon who also had an impact in the game. His stat line may have been relatively quiet but he made the Stu loud with several put backs including one dunk that would send Ram nation to their feet. He would contribute 7 points and 4 rebounds in the win.
The win moves the Rams to 14-4, 2-1 A10 on the season and they will travel to Ohio to take on the Dayton Flyers on Wednesday January 22nd.
