In a game nationally-televised on the CBS Sports Network. #VCU took step #1 towards another long winning streak with an important home victory, 73-69 over St. Joseph's. With the win, the Rams improve to 3-1 in the Atlantic 10, 15-2 overall, while the Hawks fell to 2-2 in league play, 12-4 overall.
With Robyn Parks held to half her scoring average with just 12 points, Keira Robinson took charge, leading VCU with a triple-double, 21 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. Robinson for the season coming into the game averaged 11.8 points and just over 3 rebounds per contest.
Monnazjea Finney-Smith had four key three-pointers, including one nearing halftime to ensure a VCU lead at 43-37, and back-to-back treys midway through the second half, the second of which returned the lead to VCU at 57-56 with 7:59 to go.
The Hawks had balanced scoring, with four players with at least 12 points. Sarah Fairbanks led with 14, while Ciara Andrews and Erin Shields each had 13 and Kelsey Berger added 12. Poor shooting hurt both teams, as VCU won despite shooting 34.3 percent from the field. The Rams earned ten more free throw attempts than the Hawks, shooting 72 percent at the stripe (18-of-25).
St. Joseph's shot just 37.3 percent from the floor, but had 13 of the 15 free throws, and the Hawks outrebounded the Rams 51-43.
VCU next hosts Fordham in a 7pm Wednesday contest at the Siegel Center. The Battle of the Rams will feature two of the three teams tied for 4th in the A-10 with 3-1 records.
St. Joseph's goes outside of Atlantic 10 play for a traditional "Big Five" battle at home at Hagan Arena against Penn of the Ivy League. For more on the long, eight-decade tradition of "Big Five" Basketball in Philadelphia, CLICK HERE.
The Hawks return to league play a week from today hosting a league, and a "Big Five" rival in league-leading LaSalle. Will the Explorers still be on top of the Atlantic 10 when they go to Hagan Arena for a 5pm tipoff on CBS Sports Network? First LaSalle must survive a road trip Wednesday to St. Bonaventure.
RVA Sports Network Coverage of Women's Basketball, Part of Our Year Of Women's Sports Initiative!
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