VCU Women’s Basketball returned home to the Siegel Center looking to turn around their 3 game losing skid. Saint Joesph’s made matters difficult from under the rim as the Hawks flew out of the arena with an 80-70 victory.

Trading Points

As the contest got underway, there was an offensive battle between VCU’s Isis Thorpe and SJU’s Sarah Veilleux. Both players came out firing with 6 points each as the game progressed evenly towards the first media timeout.

Saint Joesph’s was able to establish control in the paint with Amanda Fioravanti and Adashia Franklyn. Both Hawks collected 4 points and while collecting rebounds. Thorpe had support from GG Goodhope and Mooriah Rowser to spark an 8-0 VCU scoring run.

Kiera Robinson found Goodhope for a corner 3 just as time expired to tie the game up at 19-19. A productive first 10 minutes for both teams as SJU finished shooting 47% from the field while VCU hit 50%.

Level Headed

In the second quarter, VCU attempted to speed the Hawks up. The Rams were able to regain the lead, however, Saint Joseph’s was not far behind. SJU took advantage of a 3-minute VCU scoring drought as Veilleux hit her third 3 Ball of the game to put the Hawks up 6.

VCU got back into the contest after a much-needed And-1 by Robinson to tie the game at 31. With less than a minute remaining, Rowser drew the game level at 33 with a mid-range jay. Saint Joe’s went scoreless for the last 2:57 of the half; the game remained tied at 33-33 as the halftime buzzer went off in the Stu.

Hawks Fly Away

The third quarter started well for Saint Joe’s hitting 5-for-5 out the gates. Alyssa Monaghan kept breaking VCU’s defense from downtown while Franklyn and Veilleux continued scoring.

Even with a timeout, VCU could not shoot themselves out of the cold. Over 6 minutes went by without a Black & Gold field goal in the third quarter as SJU kept adding on their lead. GG Goodhope broke the ice with a late layup but the Rams had a rough third on offense.

SJU soared offensively by outscoring the Rams 26-15. VCU trailed 59-48 heading into the 4^th quarter.

Not Enough For The Comeback

Dominance by the visiting team continued in the final quarter. Franklyn lead SJU with her 6^th double-double as she finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds vs VCU. 4 Hawks finished the game in double figures as Veilleux scored 17 points, Monaghan put in 16 and Chelsea Woods had 12.

While playing from behind, VCU did not give up. Thorpe was still cooking from mid-range as she scored 14 points against the Hawks. Robinson led the Rams with 19 points and was a major key at the FT line going 6-of-7. Goodhope added 15 points as VCU kept the Hawks on their heels towards the final buzzer.

There was not enough time for the Rams as Saint Joesph’s took the 80-70 victory out of the Siegel Center. VCU falls to 6-8 in A-10 play and has lost 4 consecutive games. SJU improves to 10-4 on the season in Atlantic 10 play.

VCU Women’s Basketball is back on the road on Saturday, February 18^th taking on St. Bonaventure. Tip-off is set for a 1 PM start.

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.