Women’s Basketball win in nailbiter against Dukes 61-54

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor 

VCU women’s basketball started the week strong and continued its winning streak against Atlantic 10 opponents, beating Duquesne University on Jan. 11.

The Dukes fell to 0-5 in conference play while the Rams improved to 2-3. VCU was without its star player fourth-year-guard Mary-Anna Asare who is out for the rest of the season with an injury.  

Duquesne won the tip off, but both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Missed shots were traded until Dukes’ first-year guard Alexis Bordas scored a jumper.

Duquesne then went on a 5-0 run until VCU shut it down with a jumper by fourth-year forward Makennah White. Shots were exchanged on both ends, but the Dukes tightened their defense and forced turnovers. 

VCU tried to take control in the last two minutes of the first quarter.

Redshirt second-year forward Hawa Doumbouya shot back-to-back free throws during the last minute. She made 3-for-4 to tie the game at 10. 

The Dukes’ third-year guard Reina Green immediately responded with a driving layup with four seconds left ending the first quarter 12-10.

The second quarter opened up with made free throws from VCU second-year forward Katarina Kneževic, tying the game at 12. Both teams struggled scoring, but the Dukes found momentum.

A three-point exchange followed, beginning with Dukes’ Bordas drilling a deep three from the logo. Kneževic answered on the next possession with a three of her own.

The Rams did not slow down their tempo. Third-year forward Lucy Ghaifan scored back-to-back layups at the two minute mark.

Duquesne responded with another deep three from Bordas to regain control.

A late turnover from the Rams led to a layup from redshirt second-year guard Gabby Grantham-Medley to end the half, giving the Dukes a 30-27 lead.

Both teams shot under 50% from the field – Duquesne at 41.4% and VCU just below at 36%. 

Duquesne made a statement to start the second half with a three pointer by second-year guard Nadia Moore. However, the Rams’ third-year forward Lucía Sotelo drove the ball to the basket to answer back. 

The Dukes’ first-year forward Raevin Washington anchored their defense, recording three blocks in the same possession. On the other end, Bordas went on a personal 6-0 run shooting back-to-back threes at the six-minute mark. 

VCU’s first-year guard Laia Crespin answered with a three, providing an aggressive spark for the Rams.

“Coach Nsiah always told me if you are the smallest on the court, then you have to be the smartest, so that’s what I always try,” Crespin said.

Free throws from both teams picked up towards the end of the third quarter, but Dukes’ remained with the lead 50-43.

White started the fourth quarter with a three point jumper, cutting the lead down to four. That was the last of the Rams however, as they went into a five minute drought. 

A timely timeout gave the Rams newfound momentum. Second-year guard Cyriah Griffin shot a three pointer tying the game at 51 with less than four minutes in regulation. 

“We just talked about moving the ball and then we will get some good open looks,” head coach Beth O’Boyle said. “That was a huge three from Cyriah.” 

White gave VCU its first lead of the match with a three pointer with one minute to play. She then extended the lead to 55-51 with two additional free throws. Crespin then followed with two of her own.

In an attempt to take the lead back, Bordas shot a three pointer cutting the lead down to three.

However, VCU did not back down — closing the game with made free throws from Griffin at 61-54.

O’Boyle said the night’s win was a team effort. Crespin had a team high of 14 points, White followed with 11 and Griffin with nine. 

“We keep saying, it doesn’t  matter who we are playing, we are building how VCU basketball is,” O’Boyle said. “Today was a great one.”

VCU is set to take on Rhode Island at the Siegel Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.