Game Summary
VCU extended its winning streak to 10 games Tuesday night at the Siegel Center, outlasting George Washington 89–75 in a game that featured three ties and four lead changes before the Rams seized control midway through the second half.The Rams entered the night two games back of Saint Louis in the A-10 standings and riding a nine-game win streak. Barry Evans opened the scoring, and the Rams jumped out early behind back-to-back triples from Nyk Lewis in the opening three minutes.
Lewis, fresh off his fourth A-10 Rookie of the Week honor (10.5 ppg across two road games), helped VCU build an early cushion before GW responded.
After Dinkins was fouled on a three-point attempt and converted from the line, GW took its first lead at 21–20. The Colonials hit 6-of-8 during that stretch and went on a 6–0 run to grab momentum.
Ward answered immediately with a tough layup through contact to retake the lead, igniting a 9–0 VCU run. Evans scored four in the paint during that burst and added a steal on the defensive end.
VCU shot 55% in the first half (16–29) and 91% from the line (10–11), but GW closed on an 8–0 run over the final 1:13 — capped by a buzzer layup — trimming the Rams’ lead to 48–46 at halftime.
The Rams honored the 2011 Final Four team during the break. The second half turned into a grind.
GW opened with a triple to take a 49–48 lead and eventually pushed ahead 58–52 with 15:48 remaining — their largest lead of the night. At that point, VCU had started the half just 1-of-6 from the floor (17%).
Ward kept the Rams within striking distance with back-to-back buckets. A Belle steal led to a Djokovic three to tie it at 65 — the third tie of the game.
At the 9:16 mark, Belle drilled a three from in front of the VCU bench to give the Rams a 68–67 lead — their first lead of the half. They never relinquished it.
Lewis later exploited a 2–3 zone with his third triple of the night to extend the lead to seven (76–69). From there, it became a free throw parade.
Nine of VCU’s final 13 points came from the line. The Rams shot 26–35 (74%), including 24 second-half attempts, and outscored GW 41–29 after the break.
VCU shot 51.9% for the game and assisted on 17 of 27 made field goals.
Key Performances
- Tyrell Ward — 15 pts (7-11 FG), 1 reb, 2 stl
- Brandon Jennings — 14 pts (4-5 FG, 2-2 3FG), 5 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk
- Nyk Lewis — 14 pts (3-5 3FG, 5-6 FT), 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
- Lazar Djokovic — 14 pts (2-2 3FG, 6-7 FT), 1 reb, 1 blk
- Terrence Hill Jr. — 13 pts (9-10 FT), 7 ast
- Barry Evans — 10 pts (5-7 FG), 7 reb, 5 ast
Team Notes
- Final: VCU 89, GW 75
- Times tied: 3
- Lead changes: 4
- VCU led for 28:18
- Points in paint: VCU 34, GW 28
- Points off turnovers: VCU 15, GW 7
- Bench points: VCU 37, GW 30
- VCU shot 51.9% (27-52)
- VCU: 17 assists on 27 made baskets
Up Next
With the win, VCU improves to 12-2 in A-10 play and 21-6 overall. The Rams return to action on Friday, February 20, as they ride a 10-game win streak in to face #18 Saint Louis. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
