The Basics
Score: Ohio State 96, VCU 86
Records: VCU (3-2), Ohio State (2-2)
Location: Value City Arena – Columbus, Ohio  
Short Story: Sophomores Ashley Pegram and Keira Robinson combined for 43 points to help the VCU women's basketball team battle Big Ten foe Ohio State to the wire on Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, the Buckeyes were able to hold off the fiesty Rams, 96-86. The Black & Gold dominated the glass, 57-36, including 28 offensive rebounds. 

How It Happened

• The lead changed four times in the opening minutes, but the Buckeyes controlled a small lead.
• Pegram nailed a shot from long range to put the Rams up two, 16-14, with 16:10 remaining in the first half. After OSU tied it up, an old-fashioned three-point play by Chardarryl Clay gave VCU a 19-16 lead with just over 15 minutes until halftime. 
• The game was tied again, 20-20, after Adaeze Alaeze hit a shot from the charity strip, but OSU's Kelsey Mitchell hit a jumpshot to give the Buckeyes a lead they would maintain going into the locker room.
• VCU battled back early in the second half coming within one, 52-51, following a layup from Curteeona Brelove, with 17:17 to play in regulation. 
• The Rams were down 12 with just over five minutes to play, but got three straight 3-pointers from Pegram, Monnazjea Finney-Smith and Alaeze to get within three with just under four minutes remaining. 
• OSU was able to connect on their free throws down the stretch to hold on for the 96-86 win. 

Beyond the Box Score

• Pegram came off the bench to score a career-best 25 points, with 12 points coming in the first half.
• The VCU bench accounted for 43 points.
• Robinson scored a season-best 18 points and finished 5-of-6 from behind the arc.
• Three VCU players scored in double-digits.
• The Rams' 86 points is the most the program has scored against a Big10 opponent. Last season, VCU put up 71 points at Ohio State.

Up Next

• The Rams will travel to in-state rival William & Mary on Wednesday (Nov. 26). The game is slated for 7:00 p.m.