Game of the Night
VCU Rams 94 Richmond Spiders 89 (OT)
Mo Allie-Cox slammed in a dunk as the clock expired on an instant-classic to secure the win for VCU. JeQuan Lewis led all scorers with 29 points for the Rams, who improve to 13-5 (5-0 A10). Korey Billbury had 20 points, Melvin Johnson had 17 and Mo Allie-Cox had 12 for VCU.
The game might not have even needed overtime if not for a technical foul on Richmond for too many men on the ice (sort of) with 1:37 left in regulation. Both teams had chances to hit go-ahead shots in the final 30 seconds of regulation, but neither side was able convert. VCU took the lead for good with 2:05 left in OT on two Melvin Johnson free throws, to go ahead 90-89. Richmond had three shots after that, including a would-be game winner from Terry Allen with four seconds left, which did not fall.
Melvin Johnson hit two more free throws to extend lead 92-89 with three seconds remaining. On the ensuing Richmond possession, Allie-Cox intercepted the inbounds pass at half court to seal the win for the Rams.
This game was dominated by the starters, as the two teams benches combined for just 17 points. ShawnDre’ Jones has 26 for Richmond who falls to 10-7 (2-3 A10). TJ Cline added 22, while Terry Allen has 18 and Trey Davis had 16.
VCU next plays Duquesne on January 20th at 7PM, while Richmond next plays Davidson on January 23rd.
Elsewhere in A10 Play
Davidson Wildcats 86 Massachusetts Minutemen 74
Jack Gibbs dropped 43 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for Davidson, as the Wildcats pulled away late to claim their 11th win of the season. The turning point in the came with 3:05 to go, when Jack Gibbs hit a three to give Davidson a 72-69 lead. Peyton Aldridge added 14 points and Rusty Reigel had 10. Trey Davis had 30 points for UMass, perhaps the only silver lining for the Minutemen.
Davidson next plays at Saint Louis on January 20th at 8PM, while UMass also plays Saint Louis next, but on January 23rd at noon.
Saint Joseph’s Hawks 80 Fordham Rams 55
DeAndre Bembry led all scorers with 26 points, adding 12 rebounds and 3 assists for the surging Hawks, who improve to 14-3 (4-1 A10). Aaron Brown added 12 points, while Isaiah Miles and Lamarr Kimble each had 10 points for Saint Joseph’s. It was a rough night overall for Fordham, who was led by Christian Sengfelder and Antwoine Anderson who each had 13 points for the Rams.
Saint Joseph’s next plays at Penn on January 20th at 9:30PM, while Fordham next plays George Mason on January 20th at 7PM.
Rhode Island Rams 73 La Salle Explorers 62
Jarvis Garrett had 19 points for the Rams, who improve to 10-7 (3-2 A10). URI shot an impressive 57% from the field and 85% from the line. Hassan Martin had 15 and Kuran Iverson had 12. Jordan Price had 20 points for the Explorers, while Johnnie Shuler had 16 and Cleon Roberts had 10.
Rhode Island next plays at George Washington on January 22nd at 7PM, while La Salle next plays Temple on January 20th at 7PM.
Duquesne Dukes 95 Saint Bonaventure Bonnies 88
Micah Mason had 27 points for the Dukes, who handed the Bonnies their first loss in Atlantic 10 play. The game was close for the first 28 minutes, but after two Jaylen Adams free throws for St. Bonaventure, Duquesne took control of the game, maintaining an 8-9 point lead for the remainder of the game. Adams had 22 points for the Bonnies, who fall to 12-4 (4-1 A10). This is a crucial win for Duquesne, who at 12-6 (2-3 A10) still has time to play themselves back into a possible NCAA Tournament bid.
Duquesne next plays at VCU on January 20th at 7PM, while Saint Bonaventure next faces Dayton on January 19th at 7PM.
