Three consecutive losses for VCU Women’s Basketball had the Rams returning to Siegel Center Wednesday night to regroup. The Black & Gold was able to get their groove back against Rhode Island in a Battle of the Rams that favored VCU at the end of it all.

A Cold Yet Spicy Intro

Both teams did not have the ideal start to their gaming festivities. VCU struggled with early turnovers as Rhode Island’s Charise Wilson capitalized on them from downtown. The Black & Gold was digging an early hole in the first quarter until Keira Robinson and Mooriah Rowser got to work offensively.

As the quarter continued, multiple players stepped up their game. Nicole Jorgensen of Rhode Island dominated the glass with 5 rebounds while Wilson scored 11 points and went 3-of-5 from three. Jailyn Maddox provided a spark for VCU off the bench with 4 points while Isis Thorpe added an additional 3 Ball.

A freezing start turned into a feisty opening quarter of action with Rhody ahead 20-19.

Rebounding, Tempo & Turnovers

The second quarter got off and running as the overall speed and physicality of the game increased. Curteeona Brelove and Katherine Strong went to work on the glass against Rhode Island to establish a paint presence early. While the war in the paint commenced, the duo of Robinson and Rowser continued leading VCU’s offense from mid-range.

Wilson’s hot hand from the first quarter became lukewarm in the second with only 3 points. Rhode Island had another issue in turnovers as the visiting Rams had 6 turnovers in the 2^nd quarter; turnovers affected the Black & Gold as well with 5.

While Rhode Island continued searching for support for Wilson, VCU brought in the backup. Thorpe once again delivered another three-pointer and VCU’s paint game outrebounded Rhody 18-13. The Black & Gold headed to half-time in good spirits with a narrow 32-30 lead over Rhode Island.

Maddox & VCU Company

Jailyn Maddox made the most of her return from injury in the 3^rd quarter for VCU. Maddox scored 8 points in the quarter as the freshman out of Alabama did a little bit of everything for the Black & Gold against Rhode Island. VCU took control after GG Goodhope found Maddox with a cross-court pass on the breakaway leading to the And-1 opportunity at the rim.

Black & Gold continued thriving in the third shooting 43% from the field. Wilson did all she could to keep Rhody in striking distance but the odds increased as the game continued. As VCU kept hitting shots, URI felt the damage on the glass and scoreboard; the Rams rolled into the fourth quarter with a 50-41 lead.

Rolling To Victory

VCU was able to seal the deal in the final quarter. Four Rams ended up in double figures with Isis Thorpe leading VCU with 15. Keira Robinson scored 14 points while hitting back to back three-pointers to put the game well out of a reach. Jailyn Maddox scored in double-digits for the first time in her collegiate career with 12 points and Mooriah Rowser added 10 more.

Charise Wilson put on a one Ram show for Rhode Island with 25 points but it was not enough for the visitors. At the final buzzer, VCU Women’s Basketball was able to bounce back to their winning ways with a 68-57 win at the Siegel Center.

VCU Women’s Basketball quickly returns to the road on Saturday, January 21^st at Fordham. That Atlantic 10 game gets underway at 2:00 PM.

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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.