VCU anticipated a tough match against a familiar in state opponent William and Mary. The Rams entered the contest strong with a 9-2 non-conference record with the Tribe close behind at 8-1. Both teams bested their last opponents in 20 point wins. The Tribe defeated Norfolk State on December 17th 67-47 while the Rams defeated Old Dominion on December 19th 74-54.
The Tribe struck first with a basket from Alex Masaquel but it was quickly answered by a jumper from Adaeze Alaeze. William and Mary would enjoy the lead for less than 30 seconds before the Rams decided to show off their home court advantage. VCU took the lead off a lay up from Isis Thorpe and they never looked back. William & Mary would come within 1 point of VCU twice but at 2:38 the Rams started a 4-0 run extending their lead and closing out 16-8 at the first buzzer.
VCU started hot off a three pointer from Thorpe that ignited a 7-0 run extending the lead to 15 points and holding the Tribe scoreless until 7:09 when Marlena Tremba sunk one from beyond the arc. Alaeze answered with a quick lay up. The Tribe warmed up and went on an 8-0 run cutting the Ram lead to 6 but that’s as close as they would get and VCU enjoyed a 12 point lead at 33-21 at the second buzzer. Clay added 7 points including going 5-6 from the free throw line.
The Tribe hit the board first with back to back lay ups from Tremba and Rendle. Keira Robinson answered with back to back beyond the arc shots to spark a 10-0 run for the Rams. Ali Engelhardt sank a three pointer in an attempt to pause the VCU offensive domination. Alaeze and Robinson led the Rams with 6 points each and combining for two thirds of VCU’s third quarter production. The Rams were up 18 with a 51-33 lead and not slowing down.
The Rams trampled the Tribe in the final 10 minutes of regulation as VCU continued an aggressive campaign maintaining no less than a 20 point advantage the entire quarter. O’Boyle took the opportunity to stretch her bench and rotate players with 11 Rams contributing points. Three players Alaeze, Thorpe, and Brelove led the offense with 11 points each. Brelove also had 8 of the Rams 48 rebounds. Clay went 7 of 9 from the stripe contributing 9 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Another solid team performance and the second largest margin for VCU this year at 26 points in a 73-47 victory.
Next up the Rams hit the road following their holiday break and will take on North Carolina A&T on December 30th for their final non-conference game of the season.
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