Siegel Center was defended well by VCU Women’s Basketball with two consecutive Atlantic 10 victories. The Rams began their two game road trip on Sunday at Saint Joseph’s. At 7-1 in conference play, VCU went to work against the Hawks to stay at the top of the A-10.
Road Production
Offenses traded baskets inside the paint to start the contest. Saint Joseph’s would scored followed by an answer from VCU. Taya Robinson connected on a VCU three pointer that began a 7-0 run putting the Rams up 10-5. With 41 seconds left in the 1st quarter, Madison Hattix-Covington hit VCU’s second three pointer to give the Rams momentum out in front.
In the second quarter, VCU’s offense was consistent from the field. The Rams shot 70% from the field on 7-of-10 shooting with 6 different Rams scoring. Olga Petrova hit VCU’s lone three of the quarter. Katie Jekot was SJU’s lifesaver with 8 points in the 2nd quarter to keep the Hawks within striking distance.
A New Paint Job
Saint Joseph’s felt the pain at the basket with VCU scoring 16 of their 35 points inside the paint. VCU finished the first half at 46% from the field with a 35-29 lead over the Hawks. Kseniya Malashaka led VCU with 6 points and 3 rebounds.
Tera Reed got VCU rolling into the 2nd half with a three pointer and a fastbreak layup to give the Rams a 10 point lead. Robinson sweetened the deal with a mid-range jumper as the Rams held a 35-23 advantage on the road. The Hawks were able to move the ball around to muster up a much-needed 6-0 scoring run.
Hawks Get Their Wings Back
Lula Roig started the run with two free throws followed by a contested jumper from Katie Mayock. Alyssa Monaghan took advantage on two SJU’s fastbreaks and turned them in for layups.
VCU’s defense derailed the Hawks for just enough time to get their offense restarted. Reed went back to the free throw line to do damage and Hattix-Covington knocked down a three to give VCU breathing room. Offense started to cool off for the last 3 minutes of the quarter with both teams going without a field goal.
Standing Tall At The Basket
Sofya Pashigoreva made an impact as the 4th quarter got underway. Pashigoreva went to the free throw line and made the first. After missing the second, Pashigoreva grabbed the offensive board and turned that into a second chance layup putting VCU up 51-35.
Nothing went the Hawks way at the end going 1-of-9 from the field on SJU’s final attempts. VCU cruised to the finish line with a 65-47 victory over Saint Joseph’s at Hagan Arena. The Rams have now 3 consecutive games and remain atop of the A-10 at 8-1.
Another W to the List
Leading the Rams in scoring was Tera Reed with 18 points and 4 rebounds. Madison Hattix-Covington put up 10 points and 8 rebounds against the Hawks. VCU outrebounded SJU 39-23 and scored 30 points in the paint. The Rams mustered up 20 second chance points during the game.
Coming Up Next!
VCU Women’s Basketball road trip continues on Wednesday, February 6th at Saint Bonaventure. Tip-off begins at 7 PM on ESPN+.
