The Basics
Score: VCU 72, American 44
Records: VCU (3-2), American (0-4)
Location: Stuart C. Siegel Center – Richmond, Va.
The Short Story: Behind double-digit performances from Korey Billbury, Melvin Johnson and Justin Tillman, the VCU Men's Basketball team defeated American University, 72-44, on Wednesday night. 

How It Happened

• Following a slow start, Johnson drained a shot from long range to spark a run giving the Rams a 15-4 lead. 
• The Eagles looked to chip away at VCU's lead, with a short run in the closing minutes of the half. However Johnson made a pair from the charity stripe to give the Rams a 16-point advantage at the break, 36-20.
• After the break, American was able to cut the Rams' lead to 14, but that was as close as they would get, as VCU continued to pull away. With less than a minute left, a tip-in from Gerron Scissium, gave the Rams their largest lead of the game, 72-40.
• VCU forced a total of 22 turnovers, with 14 coming in the first half.

Video Highlights

Noteworthy

• Mo Alie-Cox moved into sixth place on the all-time blocks list with two tonight. He now has 125 in his career with the Black & Gold. He passed Juvonte Reddic who amassed 123 during his career.  
• VCU has won 26 of the last 27 games in which Johnson has hit three or more 3-pointers. (The only loss this season was against Duke). The Rams are 28-3 all-time when Johnson reaches that mark.
• This is the fewest points VCU has allowed since 2013 when the program defeated Akron in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament.
• Michael Gilmore and Billbury both earned their first career starts.

Up Next:

• The Rams return to the hardwood at the Siegel Center on Saturday afternoon to host longtime rival, Old Dominion. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and will be available on Comcast Sports Network.