VCU boasts a 12-6 overall record and stands at 3-2 in the Atlantic 10 after a strong 84-75 victory over Rhode Island on Wednesday. The Rams were favored to top the A-10 in the preseason poll, and they are showing why with their recent performances.
Leading the offensive charge for VCU is Terrence Hill Jr., who averages 14.3 points per game despite coming off the bench. Close behind is Lazar Djokovic with 13.7 points per game, while Jadrian Tracey adds 10.1 points nightly. Additionally, three-time A-10 Rookie of the Week Nyk Lewis contributes 9.5 points per game. Djokovic also excels on the boards, securing 5.6 rebounds per game. The depth of the team is significant, as they rank eighth in NCAA Division I with an impressive 37.22 points per game coming from their bench.
The Rams have showcased their shooting ability, connecting on nearly 47 percent of shots from the field, ranking in the top 55 nationally with a 36.6 percent success rate from beyond the arc, and sinking over 74 percent of free throws. However, VCU has faced challenges in their three-point defense, allowing opponents to hit 34.2 percent of their shots from long-range, which ranks ninth in the A-10. Additionally, they have been penalized with 18.1 fouls per game, placing them 11th in the conference for sending opponents to the line, leading to a total of 388 free throws against.
Phil Martelli Jr. is in his first year leading VCU after successful stints at Bryant, where he achieved consecutive 20-win seasons and clinched the America East title last year.
Looking ahead, VCU will play host to Saint Joseph’s on Monday, January 19, at 3:00 p.m. EST at the Siegel Center, with the game broadcasted on CBS Sports Network. This matchup is particularly significant for Saint Joseph’s, which has rallied after a sluggish start, climbing to a tie for fourth place in the A-10 following a 3-0 run. The Hawks, once at the bottom of the conference at 0-2, have rejuvenated their season and are seeking to snap a significant losing streak against VCU, having not won since January 2018.
The Hawks are also experiencing growth within their ranks, with players like Simpson and Haskins recently recording double-doubles, a welcome sign of their development. Moreover, Saint Joseph’s has excelled at the charity stripe, currently ranked second in the A-10 for free throw percentage at 76.6%, and they have limited turnovers, ranking high in conference play.
As the match approaches, fans are eager to see if the Rams can maintain their strong performance and if the Hawks can build on their recent success to claim a much-needed victory in Richmond. This encounter not only promises to be competitive but also showcases the resilience and talent present in both squads.