VCU Men’s Basketball was in full effect at the Siegel Center for their Black & Gold scrimmage. An entertaining game was had on the court as the Rams put on a show Saturday afternoon.

We Watching Practice?

Both squads came with high-tempo and plays for the highlight reel. Issac Vann scored the opening bucket for the gold squad; Tyler Maye introduced himself to Ram Nation with moves to the bucket followed by a tough layup.

This was more than just a practice inside the Siegel Center. Coach Mike Rhoades had his Rams running and gunning all over the court from start to finish. VCU had moments of flash from numerous Rams and the occasional hiccup with a miscue here and there.

Rams, Rams, More Rams!

De’Riante Jenkins kept the black squad in the game with his contributions. Jenkins moved the ball well along with Lewis Djonkam and Mike’l Simms. The forward duo of Sean Mobley and Marcus Santos-Silva held the paint on the lockdown with multiple rebounds.

Vann took on Jenkins for a tough euro-step layup that even had Agent Zero impressed. As halftime arrived, Gold was ahead of Black 29-23.

Jonathan Williams got the Black team started in the 2^nd half from downtown. Williams was able to heave a 3 Ball that found the back of the net just as the shot clock expired. The black team started to go cold offensively and the gold team was able to push the pace.

That’s A Highlight!

Khris Lane and Tyler Maye wowed the crowd with their hunger for buckets. Lane was able to clean up at the glass for 2^nd chance points while Maye kept driving to the basket repeatedly. Black extended their lead to 38-26 before Coach Rhoades called timeout.

Xavier Jackson sprung some life into the Black team. As the ball was heaved towards the basket, Jackson soared and came crashing down with a thunderous jam. Siegel Center erupted in disbelief as one of the newest Rams pumped up the volume.

Malik Crowfield countered with a three-pointer followed by a steal and layup combo for the Gold squad. Air Johnny made his return to the Stu as the senior guard stole the ball and slammed the ball home with a two-handed dunk.

After friendly competition concluded at the Siegel Center the Gold Squad was victorious 56-45. Khris Lane led all scorers with 15 points. Marcus Santos-Silva collected a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. De’Riante Jenkins and Isaac Vann had 12 points each while Tyler Maye was the 5^th Ram to score double figures with 11 points.

VCU Men’s Basketball will be back in action on Friday, November 3^rd in an Exhibition game against Virginia Union. Tip-Off is set for 7 PM inside the Siegel Center.

Mark Turner

Mark graduated from VCU in 2014 with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. He started as a fan of the Black & Gold in the stands his freshman year. Mark was known as "Kazie" for his charismatic fandom with the VCU's student organization the Rowdy Rams. While at VCU he gained experience in sports media with WVCW on a sports radio show called Rowdy Radio. Following graduation, Mark continued crafting his social media skills with the Richmond Kickers while also handling VCU coverage. He is a true fan of the Rams and vocally passionate on and off camera. After the final whistle, you can probably find him at local RVA bar or brewery enjoying a drink and conversation.