Box Score The Basics
Score: VCU 59, UNCW 53
Records: VCU (4-3), UNCW (2-4)
Location: Trask Coliseum – Wilmington, NC
Short Story: The VCU women's basketball team won a tough road game over former CAA foe UNCW, 59-53 on Tuesday. Monnazjea Finney-Smith paced the Rams with 14 points and was a perfect 4-for-4 from long range.
How It Happened
- Keira Robinson put the Rams on the board first, and the Seahawks responded quickly.
- Both teams exchanged baskets throughout much of the first half.
- Monnazjea Finney-Smith hit a shot from behind the arc to spark a 5-0 run and put the Rams ahead 32-18 with a little over a minute left before the break.
- UNCW's Kelva Atkin's hit a buzzer beater before the half, but the Rams held a 34-22 advantage.
- The Seahawks went on a 14-1 run in the second hlaf to cut VCU's lead to five, 44-39.
- UNCW continued to battle down to the wire, but the Rams held their rally off and secured the 59-53 win.
Quotable
- "For a young team, one of the things we have been talking about is how to face adversity. Obviously we didn't have our best showing the last game out. Today I thought we came out with a lot of intensity and wanted to go earn the win, and I'm really proud of our effort." – Head Coach Beth O'Boyle
- "To win games, especially games on the road, you're going to go through those times where you don't make shots and the ball doesn't always bounce your way, but you've got to be able to defend whether it's in the half-court or the full, and I think our players worked really hard this week, and it's nice when you can go out and earn a win." –Head Coach Beth O'Boyle
- "First and foremost, Coach always says box out and get the rebound, and I think that was the number one goal today. I think we came out and did it today." – Sophomore Monnazjea Finney-Smith
- On ODU: "It's a good atmosphere and I'm excited I get to go home and play." –Sophomore Monnazjea Finney-Smith
Beyond the Box Score
- Ashley Pegram earned her first career start for the Rams. The sophomore has come off the bench in all six of VCU's previous contests.
- Adaeze Alaeze matched her season-best of 11 points. This is the third time the junior has hit 11 points.
- This is the first time the Rams have won in Trask Coliseum since the 2009-10 season.
Up Next
- The Rams conclude their six-game road swing at Old Dominion on Friday (Dec. 5). Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. and can be seen on COX Sports TV
