VCU picked up its third win in the last four games, cruising past American 105–83 in the penultimate tune-up before A10 play. Lazar Djokovic set the tone immediately, drilling a one-handed baseline jumper for the night’s first points before the Rams’ offense erupted.
VCU shot a blistering 62% in the opening 10 minutes, stretching the lead to 22–15 while holding American to 2-of-13 during one stretch. Michael Belle pushed the margin to double digits with a corner three at the 5:23 mark, and the Rams closed the half on a 9–1 run, taking a 48–35 advantage into the break—then their largest of the night.
With 15:53 remaining, Brandon Jennings hit Djokovic on the break, and the junior hammered home a monster one-handed dunk through contact to put VCU up 57–43. The Rams never looked back. Terrence Hill Jr. buried consecutive triples during an 8–0 burst, and moments later, Jadrian Tracey knocked down back-to-back threes of his own to push the lead to 71–50.
American made a brief 7–0 push late, but never got closer than 16pts. Jordan Tillery added a highlight-reel alley-oop from Ahmad Nowell following a Tracey steal, and Hill’s baseline jumper with 1:24 to go punched VCU into triple digits.
With the win, VCU improves to 8-4 overall. The Rams return to action on Monday, December 22nd, hosting Rider at the Siegel Center. Tip-off is set for 7PM EST and will be broadcast on MASN/ESPN+.
VCU shot a blistering 62% in the opening 10 minutes, stretching the lead to 22–15 while holding American to 2-of-13 during one stretch. Michael Belle pushed the margin to double digits with a corner three at the 5:23 mark, and the Rams closed the half on a 9–1 run, taking a 48–35 advantage into the break—then their largest of the night.
With 15:53 remaining, Brandon Jennings hit Djokovic on the break, and the junior hammered home a monster one-handed dunk through contact to put VCU up 57–43. The Rams never looked back. Terrence Hill Jr. buried consecutive triples during an 8–0 burst, and moments later, Jadrian Tracey knocked down back-to-back threes of his own to push the lead to 71–50.
American made a brief 7–0 push late, but never got closer than 16pts. Jordan Tillery added a highlight-reel alley-oop from Ahmad Nowell following a Tracey steal, and Hill’s baseline jumper with 1:24 to go punched VCU into triple digits.
Key Performances
- Terrence Hill Jr. — 17 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast
- Lazar Djokovic — 15 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl
- Nyk Lewis — 14 pts, 6 ast, 4 reb, 3 stl
- Jadrian Tracey — 12 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast
- Michael Belle — 7 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast
- Jordan Tillery — 7 pts, 4 reb
- Brandon Jennings — 10 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast
Team Notes
- Rams shot 56.7% FG, 44.4% 3PT, 94.4% FT.
- Won the paint 48–20 and second-chance points 23–9.
- Forced 9 turnovers and scored 13 points off them.
- Bench outscored American 48–16.
- Largest lead: 26 points (6:16 remaining).
- Assisted on 21 of 38 made baskets.
Up Next
With the win, VCU improves to 8-4 overall. The Rams return to action on Monday, December 22nd, hosting Rider at the Siegel Center. Tip-off is set for 7PM EST and will be broadcast on MASN/ESPN+.
