Rams win sixth straight

For the fourth straight game, the VCU Rams came into their match up tied for first in the CAA.

Sunday’s opponent was James Madison, which scorer Dawn Evans (24.3 ppg). Despite the loss of their leading scorer, the Dukes were looking to avenge an 81-48 thrashing at the hands of the Rams on Jan. 11.

In what could be described as a very physical game, the Rams were able to come out victorious 61-43 to stay tied atop the standings.

“(It was) a physical, grind-it-out game,” VCU coach Beth Cunningham said. “We expected it coming in, with a lot being at stake, but I’m proud of the way our kids came out and responded.”

The Rams struggled out of the gate and allowed JMU to jump to a 6-2 lead, but from there they outscored the Dukes, 18-7.

Thanks to 12 of Radoslava Bachvarova’s (Varna, Bulgaria/Daytona Beach C.C.) game-high 16 points, VCU went into the half with a 32-22 lead.

Bachvarova said they did a better job of finding the open person and getting open shots after struggling early.

The second half was a tale of two JMU scoring droughts, the first of which lasted 7:08 and the second 3:06.

“VCU’s defense is probably the best in the league. . I thought we got off to a very good start . you cannot play at VCU for first place and without your top two scorers and have droughts like that,” JMU coach Kenny Brooks said.

Because of the droughts, a 47-34 rebounding advantage and 16-22 free throw shooting for the game, the Rams were able to pull away from JMU.

Along with the 16 from Bachvarova, the Rams got double-figure performances from La’Tavia Rorie (Charlotte, N.C./Harding University HS) who had 11 and was 3-3 from three. Kita Waller (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville) who also scored 11.

“For us to have that kind of production (from both of them) and to do the job we did on the boards with ‘Q’ (Hollingsworth) on the bench was critical,” Cunningham said.

Hollingsworth scored another double-double, to continue her spectacular senior season posting 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The Rams now find themselves in a two-way tie for first place in the conference. They look to continue their six-game winning streak when they face Georgia State at home on Thursday night.

BY THE NUMBERS

VCU (21-4, 11-2)

Hollingsworth 12, Lane 4, Waller 11, Bachvarova 16, Rorie 11, Solomon 0, Taylor 0, Hurt 7 20. 16-22 61. 3-pointers Bachvarova 2, Rorie 3.

JMU (18-6, 10-3)

Stokes 4, Hamner 5, Uqdah 10, Williams 9, Taylor 6, Crowell 0, Shepherd 4, Francisco 5, Connely 0. 17. 7-14 43. 3-pointers Hamner, Williams.