In their first ever meeting, VCU would lean on its bench play to get out of their second game in the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament against St. Johns, 75-69. Much of the game was a heated back-and-forth pace, but only saw two lead changes and four ties.
Jonathan Williams led all players with 22 points and 6 assists while only turning the ball over once. The Junior guard also connected on 6 of his 7 free throws, many down the stretch to ensure the win.
[caption id="attachment_16721" align="alignleft" width="254"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-16721" src="https://www.vcuramnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Johnny-254x300.jpg" alt="Johnny Williams led the Rams with a team-high 17 points in today's thrilling win at George Washington." width="254" height="300" /> Johnny Williams led the Rams with game-high 22 points and 6 assists against Red Storm.[/caption]
JeQuan Lewis (15pts) and Mo Alie-Cox (15pts) were the only other Rams in double figures for scoring.
The Rams trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half before going on a 15-6 run to close within two possessions.
Alie-Cox used 13 first half points and Jordan Burgess hit two big three pointers to keep the Rams within striking distance.
With 22 seconds left on the clock before halftime, Williams picked up a clean steal and layup to pull the Rams within two points while entering the locker room.
Despite having two fouls and sitting much of the first half, Lewis hit back-to-back threes in the first moments of the second half to take a 45-41 lead.
A Doug Brooks three followed by a converted three point play for Williams would send the Rams to their largest lead of the night at 11pts.
The Red Storm would get close enough to tie the game three more times, but would never regain the lead. After a final 65-65 tie, both Williams and Lewis would hit layups to push the Rams up for the final time.
Lewis, Williams, and Alie-Cox would all sink two free throws each in the final two minutes to seal the victory for the Rams.
VCU will face the winner of tonights LSU/ODU game tomorrow, November 25, at 7:00pm on AXS TV.
Jonathan Williams led all players with 22 points and 6 assists while only turning the ball over once. The Junior guard also connected on 6 of his 7 free throws, many down the stretch to ensure the win.
[caption id="attachment_16721" align="alignleft" width="254"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-16721" src="https://www.vcuramnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Johnny-254x300.jpg" alt="Johnny Williams led the Rams with a team-high 17 points in today's thrilling win at George Washington." width="254" height="300" /> Johnny Williams led the Rams with game-high 22 points and 6 assists against Red Storm.[/caption]
JeQuan Lewis (15pts) and Mo Alie-Cox (15pts) were the only other Rams in double figures for scoring.
The Rams trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half before going on a 15-6 run to close within two possessions.
Alie-Cox used 13 first half points and Jordan Burgess hit two big three pointers to keep the Rams within striking distance.
With 22 seconds left on the clock before halftime, Williams picked up a clean steal and layup to pull the Rams within two points while entering the locker room.
Despite having two fouls and sitting much of the first half, Lewis hit back-to-back threes in the first moments of the second half to take a 45-41 lead.
A Doug Brooks three followed by a converted three point play for Williams would send the Rams to their largest lead of the night at 11pts.
The Red Storm would get close enough to tie the game three more times, but would never regain the lead. After a final 65-65 tie, both Williams and Lewis would hit layups to push the Rams up for the final time.
Lewis, Williams, and Alie-Cox would all sink two free throws each in the final two minutes to seal the victory for the Rams.
VCU will face the winner of tonights LSU/ODU game tomorrow, November 25, at 7:00pm on AXS TV.