VCU leaves Brooklyn with a 1-1 record in the Legends Classic after a win over Pittsburgh. The Rams needed a win after a difficult loss to Arizona State last night. VCU were lifted by impressive performances from both recent Michigan transfers Brandon Johns (18 points, 9 rebounds) and Zeb Jackson (16 points, 50% shooting).
The game started as a true rock fight, with both teams trading baskets until Josh Banks hit a corner 3 at the 10:34 mark, at which point VCU went on a 6-0 run. The Rams allowed Pitt to even the score at 17 with a 6:29 scoring drought heading through the 4 minute mark of the 1st half.
VCU eventually went on their largest run of the 1st half going 7-0 leading into the final 2 minutes. Zeb Jackson capped off the end of the half with a drive for 2, giving VCU a 6 point lead (VCU 30, Pitt 24).
The Rams shot 33% in the 1st half (25% from 3), led by Brandon Johns with 7 points, 6 rebounds.
Pitt opened the 2nd half on a 8-2 run to tie it up at 32 at the 16:10 mark, eventually going on a 12-0 run. But VCU answered with an 11-0 run capped by some stellar play by Zeb Jackson with 2 quick steals, an assist, and a bucket at the 10:47 mark.
Both teams returned to a rock fight in the last 8 minutes of the game, until VCU pulled ahead 61-60 on a layup and 3 consecutive free throws made by Brandon Johns at the 1:35 mark. The Rams held the Panthers scoreless for 3:30 and eventually pulled away to seal the win 71-67.
VCU will travel to Memphis on Sunday (November 20) to face the Tigers (1-1) who are fresh off of a loss to St. Louis on the road. The game will be on ESPN+, tipping off at 5:00pm ET.
The game started as a true rock fight, with both teams trading baskets until Josh Banks hit a corner 3 at the 10:34 mark, at which point VCU went on a 6-0 run. The Rams allowed Pitt to even the score at 17 with a 6:29 scoring drought heading through the 4 minute mark of the 1st half.
VCU eventually went on their largest run of the 1st half going 7-0 leading into the final 2 minutes. Zeb Jackson capped off the end of the half with a drive for 2, giving VCU a 6 point lead (VCU 30, Pitt 24).
The Rams shot 33% in the 1st half (25% from 3), led by Brandon Johns with 7 points, 6 rebounds.
Pitt opened the 2nd half on a 8-2 run to tie it up at 32 at the 16:10 mark, eventually going on a 12-0 run. But VCU answered with an 11-0 run capped by some stellar play by Zeb Jackson with 2 quick steals, an assist, and a bucket at the 10:47 mark.
Both teams returned to a rock fight in the last 8 minutes of the game, until VCU pulled ahead 61-60 on a layup and 3 consecutive free throws made by Brandon Johns at the 1:35 mark. The Rams held the Panthers scoreless for 3:30 and eventually pulled away to seal the win 71-67.
VCU will travel to Memphis on Sunday (November 20) to face the Tigers (1-1) who are fresh off of a loss to St. Louis on the road. The game will be on ESPN+, tipping off at 5:00pm ET.
