‘We run Richmond’: VCU defeats University of Richmond, 73-58

Arrick Wilson, Sports Editor

The VCU men’s basketball team defeated the University of Richmond Spiders in the Capital City Classic, 73-58 in the Friday afternoon game at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. 

The Havoc sold-out crowd chanted “we own Richmond,” as the time dwindled on the game clock. The VCU win made it a regular season sweep, making it the second consecutive year for the Rams, according to VCU Athletics.

VCU head coach Mike Rhoades said he was pleased with the team and the overall atmosphere at the Siegel Center.

“Great environment to be a part of college basketball tonight,” Rhoades said. “Guys are playing the right way, and that’s what you want to do at this time of year. I’m really proud of them.”

VCU junior guard Adrian “Ace” Baldwin Jr. led the black and gold with 18 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Baldwin said he enjoyed defeating the crosstown rival, as he did all he could tonight.

“I was giving it all out tonight,” Baldwin said. “It felt great. I love to beat them.”

Three other Rams scored double digits, including sophomore forward Jalen DeLoach, sophomore forward Nick Kern and redshirt sophomore forward Jamir Watkins. 

Richmond led VCU early in the game, 10-7, with 15:22 left in the half. Richmond senior Tyler Burton led the Spiders in points with seven, while VCU shot 27% from the field, according to Statbroadcast. 

After this early lead, VCU came storming back. The Rams eventually went on consecutive runs that led to VCU leading Richmond, 37-23 at halftime.

DeLoach said the beginning of the game was tough for the Rams, but they were persistent.

“I think we just kept playing through it,” DeLoach said. “We started off hot, then we were cold for a minute. I tell ‘Ace’ and ‘Mir’ [Watkins] to keep shooting the ball and I trust them.”

In the second half of the game, VCU shot 52% from the field and also 80% from the free throw line, according to Statbroadcast. 

VCU’s defense was also hitting on all fours, causing 11 turnovers on the night while out rebounding the Spiders 40-29, according to Statbroadcast. 

DeLoach’s confidence is up after defeating a conference foe, and he said VCU can beat some talented teams in Division I basketball.

“I think any team in the country, ranked or not ranked, we can beat any team in the country,” DeLoach said.

The Rams did not lose the lead or momentum for the rest of the game. The rowdy crowd did not let up the entire night, as black and gold chants rung out throughout the Stu. 

Richmond interim head coach Peter Thomas said VCU’s defense was impressive.

“They’re one of the best defensive teams in the country for a reason,” Thomas said. “They keep coming at you. They have a lot of athletes. They play really hard, and they’re really well coached.”

One of the brightest lights for the Spiders was Richmond center Neal Quinn who had a game-high 21 points and six rebounds. His effort was not enough to get the Spiders the win.

The black and gold currently lead the all-time series, 59-32, according to VCU Athletics.

While gaining the win, VCU maintained first-place status in the Atlantic 10 just weeks away from the A-10 tournament, according to VCU Athletics. Rhoades said he is trying to keep his mindset at one game at a time.

“Just win today. Tomorrow we’ll take care of more when we get there,” Rhoades said. “You win the last one, the next one becomes even bigger. That’s the fun of being at VCU.”