Rhode Island Starters
Hinton, Crawford, Corey, Cochran, Itejere

VCU Starters
Jennings, Lewis, Tracey, Evans, Mitchell

How It Happened
Rhode Island could not contain VCU's offense, falling 84-75 at home Wednesday night.

After going into the half with a 10-point deficit, URI (10-8, 1-4 Atlantic 10) outscored the visiting Rams (12-6, 3-2 A-10) 21-11 over the first 6:14 of the second period. RJ Johnson scored seven points early in the run and Tyler Cochran added six of his own. It was a Cochran 3-pointer that tied the score 51-51 with 13:43 to go.

However, VCU responded with a 12-3 run that included 3-point baskets on three consecutive possessions that immediately put the guests back in control. Tyrell Ward hit a second-chance 3-pointer before Ahmad Nowell connected from long range on back-to-back possessions. The three 3-pointers came on three consecutive shot attempts, helping put VCU up 63-54 at the midpoint of the half.

Rhody was unable to get the deficit to less than seven points the rest of the way.  

Inside the Box Score

• The teams combined for 80 bench points, with VCU outscoring URI 49-31 in the category.
• Terrence Hill, Jr. had a game-high 19 points for VCU off the bench, while Ahmad Nowell (14 points) and Michael Belle (10) also scored in double figures as reserves.
• RJ Johson had 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting to lead the Rhody bench effort.
• Tyler Cochran led Rhode Island in scoring with 17 points.
• He just missed a double-double, as he added nine rebounds and two steals.
• Keeyan Itejere added 11 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block.
• Jahmere Tripp totaled nine points and five rebounds, while Myles Corey added seven points, five rebounds, one block, and one steal.
• There were 52 free throws taken in the game. Rhode Island was 15-of-24 and VCU made 18-of-28.
• Rhode Island had four blocked shots, the seventh time the team has had four or more this season. Alex Crawford had two of the blocks.
• Rhody won the battle in fast-break points, outscoring VCU 16-2.
• URI reached double-digit assist totals for the 10th time this season, finishing with 10.

Up Next
Rhode Island travels to Richmond on Wednesday, Jan 21. The game will stream on ESPN+ and the Varsity Network at 7 p.m.