Game Summary
VCU blew the game open midway through the first half with a 19–0 run over 4:09, a stretch built on repeated stops and immediate scoring on the other end. The Rams forced multiple turnovers during the surge and stacked scoring possessions together — including layups from Barry Evans, a Jadrian Tracey three, free throws from Brandon Jennings and Lazar Djokovic, and another Evans dunk — turning a 12–8 lead into a commanding advantage. Terrence Hill Jr. added a four-point play in the final minute as VCU entered halftime up 54–28, shooting 52% while holding Coppin State to 32% in the opening period.
VCU opened the second half with another punch when Brandon Jennings scored five straight (a fast-break dunk and a corner three). Moments later, Michael Belle’s transition dunk at 13:23 pushed the margin to 69–39, and the Rams’ bench piled on from there. Jordan Tillery finished a perfect shooting night with 11 points, while Keyshawn Mitchell added 11 points and 3 rebounds, contributing to a 58–19 bench scoring advantage in the two primary stretches when the margin ballooned.
VCU’s efficiency defined the night: 55.7% shooting, 50 paint points, 26 fast-break points, and 25-of-32 at the line. Defensively, they held Coppin State to 37.1% overall, forced 17 turnovers, and converted them into 22 points. With all 12 Rams entering the scoring column and every rotation group winning its minutes, VCU rolled to a comprehensive 101–58 victory — their second 100-point outing of the season.
With the win, VCU improves 3–2 overall.
Key Performances
- Jordan Tillery: 11 pts, perfect 4–4 FG, 1–1 3FG, 2–2 FT
- Keyshawn Mitchell: 11 pts, 3 reb, +15
- Brandon Jennings: 11 pts, 4 stl, 3 ast, +22
- Lazar Djokovic: 8 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast, +28
- Nyk Lewis: 7 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast, +34
- Barry Evans: 8 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, +30
Team Notes
- Shooting Efficiency: VCU assisted on 19 of 34 made baskets (55%), shot 55.7% from the field, hit 8–25 from deep (32%), and finished 25–32 at the line (78%).
- Paint & Pace: 50 points in the paint; 26 fast-break points.
- Turnover Production: 22 points off 17 CSU turnovers.
- Rebounding Edge: VCU won the glass 39–30, limiting CSU to eight offensive rebounds while pulling down 30 defensive boards.
- Bench Strength: 58 bench points (Coppin State bench had 45).
- Scoring Balance: All 12 Rams scored.
Up Next
The Rams return to action on Tuesday, Nov. 26, as they head to the Battle for Atlantis to take on South Florida. Tip-off is set for 2:30pm EST and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
