Monday, Mar 16, 2026

Sports

VCU slugs past Dayton, punches ticket to March Madness

March 15, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor No. 2 VCU overcame No. 4 University of Dayton 70-62 in the Betterment Atlantic 10 championship for its second straight conference title.  VCU won the tip and started the scoring with a stepback three from first-year guard Nyk Lewis. A layup on the following possession from second-year guard Brandon Jennings got the Rams to an early 5-0 lead.  Dayton opened its scoring with a three from second-year forward Amaël L’Etang, before VCU redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey responded with a three of his own.  Rams second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. continued his spark off the bench from yesterday with a fadeaway jumper from just inside the arc to keep VCU up five.  The Flyers answered back with a three from fourth-year guard Javon Bennett and a jumper by L’Etang to tie it up, before Hill hit his first three of the game to regain VCU’s lead.  VCU continued to stay narrowly ahead, but Dayton was always just behind as both teams traded makes halfway through the first.  VCU third-year guard Tyrell Ward scored an immediate five points off a three and a layup through contact. Dayton hit a three to disrupt the momentum, however third-year forward

VCU decimates St. Joe’s en route to A-10 championship

March 14, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor No. 2 VCU men’s basketball advanced to its fourth consecutive conference championship appearance after beating No. 3 Saint Joseph’s University 77-64 in the Betterment Atlantic 10 tournament.  VCU won the tip and opened the scoring off a quick layup from redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey. St. Joe’s responded on the following possession, before a second layup gave it an early 4-2 lead.  Despite the opening basket, VCU struggled to find paydirt early. The Rams suffered through a two minute scoring drought with four straight misses to start the game.  The tempo was high in the opening four minutes with both teams getting shots up early in their possessions. VCU’s Tracey hit a corner three to regain the lead, and first-year guard Nyk Lewis followed with one of his own.  The Rams defense picked up from where it left off in the quarterfinals, forcing the Hawks on a five minute scoring drought and capitalizing with an electric 21-2 run.  “We definitely feed off any type of energy we get, especially from the fans travelling out here just to see us compete,” VCU second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. said.  St. Joe’s disrupted the run with a three, but

VCU hounds Duquesne in A-10 quarterfinals

March 13, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor  No. 2 VCU took on No. 7 Duquesne University in the Betterment Atlantic 10 quarterfinals on Friday. VCU fought through a sluggish offensive start with a stout defense to come out on top 71-66.   Duquesne won the tip and immediately opened the scoring with a three and an alley-oop to get a quick five point lead.  VCU redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey responded with his own three, however the Rams lagged behind early.  The paint was virtually nonexistent for VCU in the opening five minutes, with all its points coming from behind the arc and getting blocked twice inside.  VCU continued to struggle offensively with five consecutive misses and a three minute scoring drought. Duquesne took advantage with fluid passing and three straight makes to increase the lead to six.  The Rams’ first-year guard Nyk Lewis disrupted the Dukes’ momentum with a timely three eight minutes in. Third-year forward Michael Belle followed it with VCU’s first points in the paint. Duquesne pulled ahead with a deep three, however Belle continued to find his shot inside with the Rams trailing.  VCU quickly brought it back with a 6-0 run featuring a second-chance layup from Tracey, a transition

Women’s basketball looks to future after coach swap, losing season

March 13, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer VCU’s season came to an unfortunate end after Duquesne University stole its lead in the second half, taking a 60-52 victory.  Atlantic 10 tournament results The Betterment Atlantic 10 2026 Women’s Championship tournament began with Duquesne winning the tip, sinking two quick buckets for the first points of the game.  The Rams had electric energy in the first quarter as they prevented the Dukes from scoring for over seven minutes. The Rams’ adrenaline closed out the first quarter on top 15-10.  VCU carried their momentum into the second quarter with impressive plays on offense and defense from third-year forward Lucia Sotelo and second year guard Katarina Knezevic.  Going into the half, VCU led 30-19 and shot 37% from the field goal compared to Duquesne’s 21%.  The Rams came out of the locker room with hopes to keep their lead up. However, the Dukes’ abruptly stole the Rams’ buzz, taking the lead for the first time since the first quarter.  VCU tried to fight back but Duquesne did not let up and regained their lead as they entered the fourth and final quarter.  The Rams’ continued to fall behind. The Dukes’ rhythm stretched into the final quarter. 

VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. takes second year leap as A-10 championship looms

March 4, 2026

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor  VCU entered this season under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. with a lot of questions. One of the biggest was “How will the offense look, and where will the scoring primarily come from?” Terrence Hill Jr. was the answer.  The spark comes off the bench for VCU, and it arrives with Hill, a multi-skill second-year guard from the West Coast. Before making his mark in Richmond, Hill split his high school days between football and basketball —  following in the footsteps of his father, who played both sports.  Basketball runs deep in his family. Hill’s aunt, who recently passed away, played as well, but it was not until one particular game he realized his full potential. “We played against Cleveland High School,” Hill said. “Dame Lillard actually came to a game, and I hit a game winner while he was there. So that kind of was like a moment. I was like, ‘wow, this is kind of crazy.’” As a high school senior in 2024, Hill was named Portland Interscholastic League Player of the Year, to First Team All-State and to the Oregon School Activities Association’s 6A First Team All-Tournament. Hill brought that same

MARCH 4 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

March 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer  Women’s tennis vs. George Washington University VCU won 4-1 in Atlantic 10 conference play over GW on Tuesday. The Rams secured the doubles point early and carried that momentum into singles play. The strong performance marked a confident start to conference competition for the Rams. Women’s lacrosse vs. Longwood University The Rams dominated with a 15-4 win over the Lancers on Tuesday. VCU’s offense put constant pressure on Longwood, scoring early and often with many contributions across the lineup. Third-year midfielder Sam Palmer had four goals in the victory. VCU’s defense also played lights-out, forcing turnovers and limiting Longwood’s transition opportunities Baseball at No. 8 University of North Carolina VCU lost to No. 8 North Carolina 13-3. The Tar Heels used timely batting and strong pitching to pull ahead, while the Rams fought to stay in the contest. VCU could not capitalize consistently enough at the plate to overcome the ranked opponent. The Rams earned eight walks in the loss.  Women’s track & field — Atlantic 10 Indoor Championships VCU’s women’s team captured the A-10 Indoor Championship title on Saturday. The Rams scored consistently across all events to secure the title. Third-year Desi Akaolisa was named

The Rams squeak by the Patriots 70–65 in physical rivalry game

March 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer The VCU Rams survived a gritty rivalry battle Wednesday night, holding off the George Mason Patriots 70–65 at the Siegel Center behind a balanced scoring effort and late-game execution. In a game that featured heavy physical play, foul trouble and multiple momentum swings, VCU ultimately leaned on its toughness and defense to secure the win. “That’s what a March basketball game is supposed to look and feel like,” head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said after the game. “Grind it out, find a way. Not always the prettiest, not always the cleanest.” George Mason grabbed an early 16–9 lead just five minutes into the first half, shooting efficiently going 8-9 to start the game from the field and attacking the paint. The Rams gradually responded, finding their rhythm through defensive pressure and transition opportunities. A three-pointer from second-year guard Brandon Jennings and a steal from second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. that led to a Jennings basket helped VCU regain momentum midway through the half. Redshirt fourth-year guard Jaridan Tracey also contributed a physical layup during the stretch as the Rams began to chip away at the deficit. Despite both teams battling foul trouble throughout the half, VCU

VCU slugs past Dayton, punches ticket to March Madness

March 15, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor No. 2 VCU overcame No. 4 University of Dayton 70-62 in the Betterment Atlantic 10 championship for its second straight conference title.  VCU won the tip and started the scoring with a stepback three from first-year guard Nyk Lewis. A layup on the following possession from second-year guard Brandon Jennings got the Rams to an early 5-0 lead.  Dayton opened its scoring with a three from second-year forward Amaël L’Etang, before VCU redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey responded with a three of his own.  Rams second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. continued his spark off the bench from yesterday with a fadeaway jumper from just inside the arc to keep VCU up five.  The Flyers answered back with a three from fourth-year guard Javon Bennett and a jumper by L’Etang to tie it up, before Hill hit his first three of the game to regain VCU’s lead.  VCU continued to stay narrowly ahead, but Dayton was always just behind as both teams traded makes halfway through the first.  VCU third-year guard Tyrell Ward scored an immediate five points off a three and a layup through contact. Dayton hit a three to disrupt the momentum, however third-year forward Michael Belle responded with a three for three straight VCU makes.  Lewis continued his hot shooting with another stepback three to ignite a 12-2 run where Dayton was held to a two minute scoring drought and four straight misses.  VCU meanwhile would not slow down, with another Lewis three and a crafty finish by Hill putting the Rams up 40-25 going into halftime.  The Rams superb shooting sent into halftime with all the momentum. VCU was 53% from the field and 57% from three. Lewis dominated across the statsheet with a team-high nine points, four rebounds and one assist.  Dayton opened the scoring in the second with a layup from Bennett. Lewis answered for VCU with another three, his fourth in the game on 100% shooting.  The Flyers stayed hot, rattling off a 6-0 run to lower the deficit to 10 while VCU opened the half only making one shot in five attempts.  VCU’s Belle ended the free fall with a three to disrupt the Dayton momentum. Hill followed with a pull up elbow jumper to bring it back to 15.  The Rams kept their lead to double-digits but the Flyers continued to slowly fight back halfway through the second. 

VCU decimates St. Joe’s en route to A-10 championship

March 14, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor No. 2 VCU men’s basketball advanced to its fourth consecutive conference championship appearance after beating No. 3 Saint Joseph’s University 77-64 in the Betterment Atlantic 10 tournament.  VCU won the tip and opened the scoring off a quick layup from redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey. St. Joe’s responded on the following possession, before a second layup gave it an early 4-2 lead.  Despite the opening basket, VCU struggled to find paydirt early. The Rams suffered through a two minute scoring drought with four straight misses to start the game.  The tempo was high in the opening four minutes with both teams getting shots up early in their possessions. VCU’s Tracey hit a corner three to regain the lead, and first-year guard Nyk Lewis followed with one of his own.  The Rams defense picked up from where it left off in the quarterfinals, forcing the Hawks on a five minute scoring drought and capitalizing with an electric 21-2 run.  “We definitely feed off any type of energy we get, especially from the fans travelling out here just to see us compete,” VCU second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. said.  St. Joe’s disrupted the run with a three, but

VCU hounds Duquesne in A-10 quarterfinals

March 13, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor  No. 2 VCU took on No. 7 Duquesne University in the Betterment Atlantic 10 quarterfinals on Friday. VCU fought through a sluggish offensive start with a stout defense to come out on top 71-66.   Duquesne won the tip and immediately opened the scoring with a three and an alley-oop to get a quick five point lead.  VCU redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey responded with his own three, however the Rams lagged behind early.  The paint was virtually nonexistent for VCU in the opening five minutes, with all its points coming from behind the arc and getting blocked twice inside.  VCU continued to struggle offensively with five consecutive misses and a three minute scoring drought. Duquesne took advantage with fluid passing and three straight makes to increase the lead to six.  The Rams’ first-year guard Nyk Lewis disrupted the Dukes’ momentum with a timely three eight minutes in. Third-year forward Michael Belle followed it with VCU’s first points in the paint. Duquesne pulled ahead with a deep three, however Belle continued to find his shot inside with the Rams trailing.  VCU quickly brought it back with a 6-0 run featuring a second-chance layup from Tracey, a transition

Women’s basketball looks to future after coach swap, losing season

March 13, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer VCU’s season came to an unfortunate end after Duquesne University stole its lead in the second half, taking a 60-52 victory.  Atlantic 10 tournament results The Betterment Atlantic 10 2026 Women’s Championship tournament began with Duquesne winning the tip, sinking two quick buckets for the first points of the game.  The Rams had electric energy in the first quarter as they prevented the Dukes from scoring for over seven minutes. The Rams’ adrenaline closed out the first quarter on top 15-10.  VCU carried their momentum into the second quarter with impressive plays on offense and defense from third-year forward Lucia Sotelo and second year guard Katarina Knezevic.  Going into the half, VCU led 30-19 and shot 37% from the field goal compared to Duquesne’s 21%.  The Rams came out of the locker room with hopes to keep their lead up. However, the Dukes’ abruptly stole the Rams’ buzz, taking the lead for the first time since the first quarter.  VCU tried to fight back but Duquesne did not let up and regained their lead as they entered the fourth and final quarter.  The Rams’ continued to fall behind. The Dukes’ rhythm stretched into the final quarter. 

VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. takes second year leap as A-10 championship looms

Sports Editor March 4, 2026

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor  VCU entered this season under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. with a lot of questions. One of the biggest was “How will the offense look, and where will the scoring primarily come from?” Terrence Hill Jr. was the answer.  The spark comes off the bench for VCU, and it arrives with Hill, a multi-skill second-year guard from the West Coast. Before making his mark in Richmond, Hill split his high school days between football and basketball —  following in the footsteps of his father, who played both sports.  Basketball runs deep in his family. Hill’s aunt, who recently passed away, played as well, but it was not until one particular game he realized his full potential. “We played against Cleveland High School,” Hill said. “Dame Lillard actually came to a game, and I hit a game winner while he was there. So that kind of was like a moment. I was like, ‘wow, this is kind of crazy.’” As a high school senior in 2024, Hill was named Portland Interscholastic League Player of the Year, to First Team All-State and to the Oregon School Activities Association’s 6A First Team All-Tournament. Hill brought that same

MARCH 4 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

Sports Editor March 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer  Women’s tennis vs. George Washington University VCU won 4-1 in Atlantic 10 conference play over GW on Tuesday. The Rams secured the doubles point early and carried that momentum into singles play. The strong performance marked a confident start to conference competition for the Rams. Women’s lacrosse vs. Longwood University The Rams dominated with a 15-4 win over the Lancers on Tuesday. VCU’s offense put constant pressure on Longwood, scoring early and often with many contributions across the lineup. Third-year midfielder Sam Palmer had four goals in the victory. VCU’s defense also played lights-out, forcing turnovers and limiting Longwood’s transition opportunities Baseball at No. 8 University of North Carolina VCU lost to No. 8 North Carolina 13-3. The Tar Heels used timely batting and strong pitching to pull ahead, while the Rams fought to stay in the contest. VCU could not capitalize consistently enough at the plate to overcome the ranked opponent. The Rams earned eight walks in the loss.  Women’s track & field — Atlantic 10 Indoor Championships VCU’s women’s team captured the A-10 Indoor Championship title on Saturday. The Rams scored consistently across all events to secure the title. Third-year Desi Akaolisa was named

The Rams squeak by the Patriots 70–65 in physical rivalry game

Sports Editor March 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer The VCU Rams survived a gritty rivalry battle Wednesday night, holding off the George Mason Patriots 70–65 at the Siegel Center behind a balanced scoring effort and late-game execution. In a game that featured heavy physical play, foul trouble and multiple momentum swings, VCU ultimately leaned on its toughness and defense to secure the win. “That’s what a March basketball game is supposed to look and feel like,” head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said after the game. “Grind it out, find a way. Not always the prettiest, not always the cleanest.” George Mason grabbed an early 16–9 lead just five minutes into the first half, shooting efficiently going 8-9 to start the game from the field and attacking the paint. The Rams gradually responded, finding their rhythm through defensive pressure and transition opportunities. A three-pointer from second-year guard Brandon Jennings and a steal from second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. that led to a Jennings basket helped VCU regain momentum midway through the half. Redshirt fourth-year guard Jaridan Tracey also contributed a physical layup during the stretch as the Rams began to chip away at the deficit. Despite both teams battling foul trouble throughout the half, VCU

VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. takes second year leap as A-10 championship looms

March 4, 2026

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor  VCU entered this season under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. with a lot of questions. One of the biggest was “How will the offense look, and where will the scoring primarily come from?” Terrence Hill Jr. was the answer.  The spark comes off the bench for VCU, and it arrives with Hill, a multi-skill second-year guard from the West Coast. Before making his mark in Richmond, Hill split his high school days between football and basketball —  following in the footsteps of his father, who played both sports.  Basketball runs deep in his family. Hill’s aunt, who recently passed away, played as well, but it was not until one particular game he realized his full potential. “We played against Cleveland High School,” Hill said. “Dame Lillard actually came to a game, and I hit a game winner while he was there. So that kind of was like a moment. I was like, ‘wow, this is kind of crazy.’” As a high school senior in 2024, Hill was named Portland Interscholastic League Player of the Year, to First Team All-State and to the Oregon School Activities Association’s 6A First Team All-Tournament. Hill brought that same

MARCH 4 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

March 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer  Women’s tennis vs. George Washington University VCU won 4-1 in Atlantic 10 conference play over GW on Tuesday. The Rams secured the doubles point early and carried that momentum into singles play. The strong performance marked a confident start to conference competition for the Rams. Women’s lacrosse vs. Longwood University The Rams dominated with a 15-4 win over the Lancers on Tuesday. VCU’s offense put constant pressure on Longwood, scoring early and often with many contributions across the lineup. Third-year midfielder Sam Palmer had four goals in the victory. VCU’s defense also played lights-out, forcing turnovers and limiting Longwood’s transition opportunities Baseball at No. 8 University of North Carolina VCU lost to No. 8 North Carolina 13-3. The Tar Heels used timely batting and strong pitching to pull ahead, while the Rams fought to stay in the contest. VCU could not capitalize consistently enough at the plate to overcome the ranked opponent. The Rams earned eight walks in the loss.  Women’s track & field — Atlantic 10 Indoor Championships VCU’s women’s team captured the A-10 Indoor Championship title on Saturday. The Rams scored consistently across all events to secure the title. Third-year Desi Akaolisa was named

The Rams squeak by the Patriots 70–65 in physical rivalry game

March 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer The VCU Rams survived a gritty rivalry battle Wednesday night, holding off the George Mason Patriots 70–65 at the Siegel Center behind a balanced scoring effort and late-game execution. In a game that featured heavy physical play, foul trouble and multiple momentum swings, VCU ultimately leaned on its toughness and defense to secure the win. “That’s what a March basketball game is supposed to look and feel like,” head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said after the game. “Grind it out, find a way. Not always the prettiest, not always the cleanest.” George Mason grabbed an early 16–9 lead just five minutes into the first half, shooting efficiently going 8-9 to start the game from the field and attacking the paint. The Rams gradually responded, finding their rhythm through defensive pressure and transition opportunities. A three-pointer from second-year guard Brandon Jennings and a steal from second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. that led to a Jennings basket helped VCU regain momentum midway through the half. Redshirt fourth-year guard Jaridan Tracey also contributed a physical layup during the stretch as the Rams began to chip away at the deficit. Despite both teams battling foul trouble throughout the half, VCU

Baseball’s late inning momentum not enough in 5-3 loss to Virginia

March 1, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Contributing Writer  VCU started March with a 4-7 record after getting swept by the University of Virginia over a three game series. The series of three matchup has been in the favor of UVA. It won both previous games 5-3 and 7-6. The Rams’ began the top of the first inning in the field with the Cavaliers batting.  Graduate student pitcher Fenix DiGiacomo pitched to third-year Eric Becker — hitting a pop fly to the Rams.  The Cavaliers’ second-up-to-bat, second-year outfielder AJ Gracia, hit a home run. The Rams fielded the next two outs. UVA played a clean bottom of the first inning.  The Rams’ first up to bat, third-year Cade Tousa, hit a single, but was tagged out while attempting to steal second base. The Cavaliers’ fielding efforts kept VCU from scoring. UVA 1-0. The top of the second inning started off dreadful for VCU.  Third-year infielder Noah Murray hit a single up the middle to advance himself to first base, followed by second-year outfielder Zach Jackson, who hit a double to right field — advancing himself to second base and Murray onto third base. DiGiacomo struck out the next two batters. UVA third-year infielder Eric Becker

Men’s basketball dehorns Fordham in homecoming win

February 28, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer  VCU fans brought the energy for the sold out 82-63 homecoming win over Fordham University. The Black and Gold won the opening tip, however the start of the game was a slow two-minute grind as neither team could score. VCU’s second-year guard Brandon Jennings broke the dry spell as he knocked down a three pointer at the 17-minute mark.  Fordham’s first-year forward Roor Akhuar answered with Fordham’s first points four minutes into the game. Dragging out the slow start, both teams continuously put up shots but struggled to knock them down.  VCU finally hit a groove after first-year guard Nyk Lewis knocked down a second chance three. Fourth-year forward Barry Evans then had a powerful drive to the basket, keeping the gym loud with a strong finish.  Lewis thrived off the hype and drained two straight three pointers in Fordham’s face, extending the lead to 21-8 halfway through the first. VCU continued to feast around the rim as Evans lobbed it on the fastbreak to redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey for a crowd-rising dunk.  Both Rams fell into a two minute drought at the six-minute mark. However, a deep three by second-year guard Ahmad Nowell ended

Women’s basketball loses seventh consecutive game to La Salle

February 26, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer VCU women’s basketball matched up against La Salle University at the Siegel Center on Wednesday. The clash ended in a loss, extending the losing streak to seven for the Rams. La Salle won the opening tip, but VCU got on the board first when fourth-year forward Makennah White knocked down a turnaround midrange jump shot. La Salle answered, tying the game at two before VCU reeled off a 7-0 run. Five of those points came from second-year forward Katarina Kneževic who knocked down two of her first three shots to start the game. The Explorers responded by rattling off a 9-0 run of their own and taking an 11-9 lead to close the first quarter. La Salle second-year guard Aryss Macktoon scored the first points of the second quarter, knocking down a pair of free throws. VCU redshirt fourth-year guard Ty Williams tied the game at 13, getting her opponent to jump on a pump fake before hitting a smooth floater off one leg. A smooth jumper from second-year guard Joan Quinn gave La Salle a 19-13 lead midway through the second quarter. The Explorers gained momentum through the second half of the quarter, extending their

From Nigeria to Richmond, Jude Okafor is a one-of-a-kind record-breaker

February 25, 2026

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer About 5,500 miles away from his home, third-year track star Jude Okafor is setting VCU program records and making his family proud.  “Whenever I hear their voice on the phone, they say, ‘remember why you’re there; do the best that you can,’ and that motivates me,” Okafor said. Okafor is the youngest of seven siblings and started playing soccer in high school in Nigeria. However, his journey in sports took a turn after his coaches convinced him to try out track. This was the start of something special, as VCU soon came calling.  Okafor was hesitant to leave home, but with the support of his family and community he traveled to the United States to chase his dreams and pursue his goals. “I’m not just here to run track. I’m here to be great, not just good. I want to be great,” Okafor said.  For the Nigerian athlete, greatness may only scratch the surface of his potential as a Ram. Okafor set the VCU 300 meter record at the Virginia Tech Invitational on Jan. 16 with a blazing time of 33.7 seconds.  Just a few weeks later, he broke the VCU indoor 400 meter program record