Nov. 19 recap: How every VCU team did this week

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer 

Men’s basketball vs. St. Peter’s University

The Rams hosted and defeated the Peacocks 78-61. In the opening stretch, possession and scoring went back and forth resulting in a 13-13 tie. VCU stepped up its game, leading a 20-6 run, to give the Rams a 33-19 lead with eight minutes left in the first half. The Peacocks closed the nine-point lead as they entered the second half. The gap was brought down to 64-55, but the Rams retaliated quickly with five straight points from fourth-year forward Barry Evans and third-year guard Tyrell Ward. Five Rams scored in double figures, including Ward’s team high of 15 points. 

Women’s basketball vs. University of Maine

VCU defeated Maine 81-77 in its second home game of the season. Despite fourth-year guard Mary-Anna Asare’s injury, second-year guard Katarina Kneževic stepped up and led the Rams with 19 points. At the end of the first quarter, Maine led 19-12, however, Kneževic’s jumper started a 21-5 run for the Rams in the second quarter. The Black and Gold carried their momentum into the third quarter and scored 30 points, giving them a 60-50 lead to enter the fourth. With two minutes remaining, the Black Bears cut the difference down to three points, but Kneževic continued her run with a step-back jumper to give the Rams leeway. Four Rams scored in the double-digits along with a total 22 points off turnovers. 

Women’s volleyball vs. Fordham University (game one)

VCU took the victory 3-1 in the first game of the series. The Rams accumulated 83 points, 66 kills and 10 aces throughout the four sets. The Black and Gold’s fourth-year opposite Julia Rienks tallied 21 of the team’s kills, 12 digs and two blocks. Despite the loss in the first set, VCU replied with victories in the next three. VCU started its momentum in the second round with a 25-16 win and 23 kills. Graduate student setter Elif Ozsoy had an outstanding 51 total assists, setting up the Rams for their victory. 

 Women’s volleyball vs. Fordham University (game two)

After defeating Fordham on Saturday, VCU continued its streak with another victory. Fordham started off strong, taking a 25-22 win in the first set, but VCU took the next three sets. The Black and Gold totaled 62 kills and 61 digs compared to Fordham’s 41 kills and 55 digs. VCU’s Rienks accumulated 19 kills and nine digs. Ozsoy also brought her A-game, contributing 43 assists and 13 digs. 

Women’s basketball vs. Howard University 

VCU kept its undefeated streak at home as it defeated Howard 69-66. The neck-and-neck game went back-and-forth in the first quarter until VCU ended the period with the lead 22-15. The Rams marked their home territory to start the second quarter with a 13-0 scoring run. VCU ended the first half with a 35-24 point lead. Howard closed the gap in the third quarter giving it the upper hand within the final 10 minutes. With 16 seconds remaining, Howard drew a foul leading it to shoot two free throws and tie the game at 66. With three seconds left, possession went to the Rams giving Asare a lane to the basket. Asare created a three-point play, handing the Rams the victory at the buzzer. Asare’s winning play contributed to her season-high of 25 points. 

Men’s basketball at No. 25 North Carolina State University

The Rams fell short to the nationally ranked Wolfpack, 85-79 The close game was more than just a competition, but rather a face off against former coach Will Wade, who led the Rams to a pair of March Madness appearances from 2015-2017. The Black and Gold ended the first half short by nine points. Entering the second half down, VCU battled back and tied the game at 65 with nine minutes remaining. N.C. State scored 10 points while VCU lagged behind. However, redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey knocked down a three-pointer to put the Rams within two points in the final two minutes. The Wolfpack responded and connected seven out of eight from the free throw line to secure the win.