The Rams got a tougher test from a rebuilding St. Joseph's program than perhaps they imagined, surviving the Hawks on Monday afternoon, 79-72.
Phil Martelli Jr., with father and former Hawks legendary coach, Phil Martelli Sr. in attendance, saw their halftime lead disappear against the program they both spend so many years at, but chipped away at the seven-point second half deficit to take a 60-59 lead with 6:58 to play that they would not surrender.
VCU's bench was once again huge in the victory, combining for 44 of VCU's points including a career-high 20 from junior forward, Michael Belle. Belle was an efficient 9-11 from the field, 2-4 from distance and added five rebounds, three steals and two blocks in the win. He just outpaced season leading scorer, Terrence Hill, who added 13 off the bench as well as a game-high eight assists in his 30 minutes of action.
Tyrell Ward chipped in nine points for the Rams, playing 23 minutes off the bench, while Brandon Jennings led the starting group with 18 points on 6-12 shooting in the win.
VCU moves to 13-6 on the season and 4-2 in Atlantic 10 action. They'll next take on Davidson (12-6, 4-2) on the road this upcoming Saturday.
Phil Martelli Jr., with father and former Hawks legendary coach, Phil Martelli Sr. in attendance, saw their halftime lead disappear against the program they both spend so many years at, but chipped away at the seven-point second half deficit to take a 60-59 lead with 6:58 to play that they would not surrender.
VCU's bench was once again huge in the victory, combining for 44 of VCU's points including a career-high 20 from junior forward, Michael Belle. Belle was an efficient 9-11 from the field, 2-4 from distance and added five rebounds, three steals and two blocks in the win. He just outpaced season leading scorer, Terrence Hill, who added 13 off the bench as well as a game-high eight assists in his 30 minutes of action.
Tyrell Ward chipped in nine points for the Rams, playing 23 minutes off the bench, while Brandon Jennings led the starting group with 18 points on 6-12 shooting in the win.
VCU moves to 13-6 on the season and 4-2 in Atlantic 10 action. They'll next take on Davidson (12-6, 4-2) on the road this upcoming Saturday.
