Black and gold turn Seahawks black and blue

Ethan York, Staff Writer

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer

VCU took on Wagner College at the Siegel Center on Monday for its home opener under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr.

“I’ve been on the other side hearing the fans, but when they get going you can feel it.” Martelli Jr said. 

The black and gold started the game off hot, winning the ball and sinking a three from redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey for the first points of the game.

The Seahawks tried to put together an offensive drive to add points to the scoreboard but were shut down by Rams’ second-year guard Brandon Jennings.

The Rams put together a brilliant drive with a jumper from Jennings, who was assisted by third-year forward Lazar Djokovic — extending the Rams lead to 9-4 three minutes in.

Wagner continued to struggle offensively, only making one of its last eight field goals four minutes into the half.

VCU second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. made his presence known as he splashed in a three to push the Rams to a six point lead at the 15-minute mark.

VCU second-year guard Ahmad Nowell recorded a steal and got the ball up to Hill, who finished the drive with a layup.

Hill continued his dominance with a three through contact, Wagner’s sixth foul halfway through the first half. 

First-year guard Nyk Lewis continued to make his name known in the Siegel Center, shutting down a Wagner run after a previous layup.

The Rams put together a freakish display of talent, halting a Wagner drive with a rebound from Jennings, who assisted a dunk from third-year forward Michael Belle.

Wagner clawed back to a 29-29 tie with six minutes to play before Belle snatched it back with a deep three. 

The Seahawks tried to counter and close the gap again, but were stopped at the rim with a Belle block as he showed his dominance on defense.

Hill sank another three, shooting 75% from behind the arc and extending the Rams lead to 40-33 with two minutes left in the first.

VCU closed out the first half leading 51-40, making its last five field goals. Hill led with 12 points, an impressive half from the second-year.

Wagner started the second half with momentum after a strong put-back drive. 

VCU shut down Wagner’s run quickly — getting two back-to-back dunks by Djokovic and fourth-year forward Barry Evans. 

The Rams hit two consecutive three pointers, making the score 62-45 three minutes into the second half. 

Fouls piled up from both teams with 11 minutes remaining as the ball went back and forth.

Djokovic made his second three of the night to halt a Rams dry spell halfway through the second, leading the team with 17 points. 

“Everybody is so good and we don’t feel crowded,” Djokovic said. “Every player is a weapon so everybody can do their own thing, because the defense can’t worry about just one guy when there’s five of us on the floor.”

Jennings hyped the black and gold up after knocking down a second-chance three pointer, putting the team up by 20. 

“We felt good, we had a good week of preparation and two good exhibitions where we learned a lot,” Jennings said.

Nowell finished off a shifty fastbreak drive, keeping the Rams’ lead at a strong 91-64, with five minutes remaining. 

VCU continued to bully Wagner with two minutes left, as first-year guard Jordan Tillery got a steal and Jennings finished it off with a dunk.

Tillery showed off with a tough drive to the basket receiving a foul to give the Rams their 100th point of the night at the line. 

VCU destroyed Wagner, finishing the game 103-74. Djokovic led the Rams in scoring with 21 points, while Jennings led in rebounding and assists with eight and six. 

VCU will play its next game against Utah State University in Frisco, Texas, at the Comerica Center on Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m.