Justin Tillman scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to help VCU (17-5, 7-2 A10) take down crosstown rivals the University of Richmond, 81-74.
This is the eighth straight game that Tillman has scored in double figures. It was also his second straight game pulling down 9 rebounds.
The Spiders started with hot shooting going 3-3 from three point land to start the game. They would finish the half with only one more three-pointer while attempting 8 more (4-11 3FG).
UR guard ShawnDre’ Jones was the primary scoring threat for the Spiders in the first half with 11 points, going 3-4 from downtown. He would end the night with a game-high 30 points.
T.J. Cline added 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Spiders. Freshman De’Monte Buckingham was the only other Spider to score in double digits with 13 points and 8 rebounds.
VCU’s multi-dimensional defense forced the Spiders into committing 13 turnovers on the night.
Meanwhile, the Rams improve to 9-0 this season when committing fewer than 12 turnovers. VCU closed with only 7 turnovers against them.
JeQuan Lewis (13pts) dished out 5 assists and hit two crucial three pointers late for the Rams. The first came on the tail end of an 11-2 run by the Rams. The second three pointer from the Senior came directly after a dunk by Mo Alie-Cox (13pts, 4reb) and put a stop to a 7-0 run by by the Spiders.
Freshman Samir Doughty was the final Ram to get into double figures with 16 points while also adding 6 assists.
With tonights win the Rams move into a two-way tie with Dayton for possession of first place in the A10. The loss moves the Spiders (7-3) to second place.
The win tonight also made it three games in a row that the Rams have beaten a team which occupied first place in the A10 before the games start.
VCU will travel to St. Bonaventure on February 4th for a 4:00PM tipoff. That game will be broadcast on CBSSN.
