The Basics
Score: VCU 80, UNCG 73
Records: VCU (5-4), UNCG (4-6)
Location: Verizon Wireless Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center inside the HDL, Inc. Athletic Village – Richmond, Va.
Short Story: VCU was welcomed home to the Siegel Center on Sunday to a raucous crowd, en route to an 80-73 victory over UNCG. Keira Robinson led the Rams with 19 points, Adaeze Alaeze added 17 and Camille Calhoun had a team-best 10 rebounds.

How It Happened

• VCU jumped out to an early 5-0 lead before the teams exchanged baskets, with the first half seeing the score tied seven times.
• Following an 11-0 VCU run capped by a three-pointer from Isis Thorpe, the Rams took a 40-33 lead. VCU held a 42-39 lead at the break.
• The Spartans continued to fight in the second half and overcame a 15-point deficit to tie the game at 66-66 behind a shot from Jade Scaife.
• With 1:17 remaining on the clock, the game was tied at 72-72, but the Rams battled to go on a 6-0 run and regained a lead (78-72) they wouldn't relinquish.
• VCU would hold off the Spartans in the closing seconds for an 80-73 win. 

Quotable

• On the eight-day break: "It was great. We got to spend a lot of time in the gym to practice, and start working on us a little bit more, so it was huge for us." - Head Coach Beth O'Boyle
• "Today's win was good for us. In practice, especially this week, we've been teaching the kids to compete throughout the game. I think we really accomplished that today, especially in the last two minutes." - Head Coach Beth O'Boyle
• "I want to thank the crowd, they were great today." - Head Coach Beth O'Boyle
• On "Goods for the Game": "It's one of the things our coaching staff has emphasized is that we want to be active in the community. As much as we get after it in the classroom and on the court, we also want to get after it in the community." - Head Coach Beth O'Boyle

Beyond the Box Score

• With the win, VCU holds a 3-0 record at home this season, and extends their home win streak to seven.
• This was the first start of the season for Adaeze Alaeze. She finished the game with a season-best 17 points. 
• Four players scored in double figures in Sunday's game. This is the first time this season, more than two Rams have scored in double figures in a game.
• Today's game was tabbed "Goods for the Game." Fans donated items to benefit HomeAgain, and following the game the team held a post-game clinic for those involved in HomeAgain, the Boys and Girls Club, as well as a variety of elementary school children.

Up Next

• VCU continues its homestand on Thursday, December 18, as the team hosts High Point. Game time is set for 11:00 a.m. for its annual Education Day.