Despite a rocky first-half from both teams, VCU (13-5, 4-1 A10) was able to grind win against the University of Massachusetts, 68-50. It was the Rams fourth consecutive victory when facing the Minutemen.
A slow first half—there were 27 personal fouls called in the first 20 minutes—made it hard for either team to get any momentum going, but that didn't stop the Rams from shooting 45% from the field and 3-5 from deep.
Isaac Vann connected on the first three for the Rams after just about 11 minutes of action. He also connected on a massive dunk that came along with a free throw.
Vann ended the night with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist and 1 block.
The other two first-half three's came from junior, De'riante Jenkins, as he buried them back-to-back with just about 4 minutes left before the break in action.
His first would be the go ahead bucket for the Rams as it broke a 22-22 tie game. The Rams never relinquished the lead from there.
Jenkins would lead all scorers with 17 points—he also led the Rams with 7 rebounds—while going a perfect 4-4 from downtown.
Luwane Pipkins led the Minutemen in both points and rebounds with 14 and 8, respectively.
Both teams turned the ball over 19 times, but VCU was able to convert that into 15 points, while the Minutemen were only able to turn those into 7 points.
VCU's defense was able to hold UMASS to only 24% shooting from range, and 29% shooting overall.
The Rams connected on 46% of their threes while knocking down 45% of their shots overall on the night.
This game marks the eighth time this season the Rams have held their opponents under 60 points.
VCU will return to action Wednesday, January 23rd as they travel to Rhode Island to face the blue Rams of the A10 Conference. That game is set to tip at 7pm EST.
A slow first half—there were 27 personal fouls called in the first 20 minutes—made it hard for either team to get any momentum going, but that didn't stop the Rams from shooting 45% from the field and 3-5 from deep.
Isaac Vann connected on the first three for the Rams after just about 11 minutes of action. He also connected on a massive dunk that came along with a free throw.
Vann ended the night with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist and 1 block.
The other two first-half three's came from junior, De'riante Jenkins, as he buried them back-to-back with just about 4 minutes left before the break in action.
His first would be the go ahead bucket for the Rams as it broke a 22-22 tie game. The Rams never relinquished the lead from there.
Jenkins would lead all scorers with 17 points—he also led the Rams with 7 rebounds—while going a perfect 4-4 from downtown.
Luwane Pipkins led the Minutemen in both points and rebounds with 14 and 8, respectively.
Both teams turned the ball over 19 times, but VCU was able to convert that into 15 points, while the Minutemen were only able to turn those into 7 points.
VCU's defense was able to hold UMASS to only 24% shooting from range, and 29% shooting overall.
The Rams connected on 46% of their threes while knocking down 45% of their shots overall on the night.
This game marks the eighth time this season the Rams have held their opponents under 60 points.
VCU will return to action Wednesday, January 23rd as they travel to Rhode Island to face the blue Rams of the A10 Conference. That game is set to tip at 7pm EST.
