Men’s basketball clash with Billikens in competitive loss

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor 

VCU men’s basketball came into the Jan. 7 matchup against Saint Louis University riding a five game win streak, which included two wins over Atlantic 10 opponents. 

The Rams started conference play with a narrow win over Saint Bonaventure University at home before traveling to Duquesne University and nabbing a double-digit win. 

Saint Louis is VCU’s biggest opponent thus far into the season, as the Billikens ranked right behind the first place Rams in the pre-season A-10 poll — finishing only one vote behind.

The Rams won tip-off and looked to gain momentum, however the Billikens opened up the scoring off a turnover and an ensuing fastbreak three-pointer. 

The opening minutes were fast-paced as both teams ran wildly up and down the court. Saint Louis took an early lead through some efficient scoring, while VCU nestled closely behind. 

VCU looked sloppy in the first six minutes, highlighted by a four-minute scoring drought and only two makes in 10 attempts, according to StatBroadcast.

The Rams’ defense held strong despite the woeful offensive performance as they trailed by five halfway through the first half. 

Second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. finally took the lid off the rim for VCU after a nearly seven minute field goal drought. Hill then hit a three to bring the game even at 10. 

The Rams still struggled to build any momentum despite the quick burst from Hill. 

Neither team was able to maintain anything stable as the game remained fast paced. Saint Louis struggled offensively with a three-minute scoring drought and three turnovers over three minutes, while VCU went on a two minute drought. 

The Billikens took advantage of the Rams’ sloppy offense with a 11-0 run over two minutes. Rams’ second-year guard Ahmad Nowell gave VCU life however with a deep three to keep it within 10. 

Saint Louis went into halftime up 30-22. Both teams shot inefficiently in the opening half; The Billikens were 39% from the field while the Rams shot 21%. 

“That’s what a high-level A-10 game looks like,” VCU head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said. “That was two high-level teams; two NCAA tournament level teams.” 

Saint Louis quickly came out of the half with a three-pointer on the opening possession. Third-year forward Lazar Djokovic answered back with an and-one layup for VCU.

Redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey scored five straight for the Rams to keep the Billikens from pulling away.

Both teams again came to a screeching halt, with a collective two minute drought without a made field goal in the opening five minutes, according to StatBroadcast. 

VCU fourth-year forward Barry Evans took a block coast-to-coast and dunked on an opposing Saint Louis defender to keep the deficit within double-digits. 

The Billikens instead rattled off a 7-0 run over one minute as the Rams continued to struggle to produce offensively. 

Tracey answered back with another three but Saint Louis remained relentless on offense halfway through the second. 

The Rams still fought despite the deficit reaching 14. Djokovic made a jumper and Hill followed it with two free throws to bring the lead back to 10. 

Hill continued to score, carving out a nice finish near the rim to extend a 6-0 run for VCU. 

The Billikens did not slow down however as they maintained a lead with six minutes left to play. 

VCU started showing life with some stout defensive plays followed by quick fast-break buckets. Djokovic was the constant in this exchange, with two blocks, a crafty layup and an insightful pass to help bring the Rams to within four. 

Rams’ third-year forward Michael Belle hit a three to keep the game tight and light up the Siegel Center with four minutes to play. 

“I’ve definitely seen [Belle’s] confidence grow,” Tracey said. “Seeing him take good shots with confidence and actually knocking them down, I’m very proud of him for that.”

Belle continued his impact with a block and Nowell hit a floater to give VCU its first lead of the game, 62-61. 

Saint Louis quickly regained its footing scoring seven straight to take back the lead. The Billikens would not falter again, winning 71-62. 

VCU will play its next game at George Mason University in an A-10 championship game rematch on Sat, Jan. 10 at noon.