Box Score DEFENSE KEYS RAMS TO SIXTH STRAIGHT WIN 72-56
Score: VCU 72, Saint Louis 56
Location: St. Louis, Mo. (Chaifetz Arena)
Records: VCU 11-5 (3-0 A-10), Saint Louis 6-8 (1-2 A-10)
The Short Story: Mo Alie-Cox led four players in double figures with 16 points, and VCU allowed just 14 field goals – including just two in the first half – on the way to its sixth straight win, 72-56 at Chaifetz Arena.
THE DIFFERENCE
- VCU's defense held Saint Louis scoreless the first 7:10 of the game on the way to a 13-0 lead. The Rams held the Billikens to 2-of-13 shooting (15 percent) in the first half. The Billikens did not record a field goal until a Mike Crawford layup with 6:32 remaining in the first half.
- The Rams assumed a 29-25 halftime lead, but pulled away for good behind a 23-4 burst – sparked by five Alie-Cox points and a pair of Doug Brooks 3-pointers - midway through the second half. VCU shot 60 percent (15-of-25) in the second half.
- VCU forced 21 turnovers and outscored the Billikens 22-7 off turnovers.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- In addition, Alie-Cox handed out a career-high four assists and grabbed four rebounds.
- Melvin Johnson, who played just five minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, finished with 15 points – 12 in the second half.
- Korey Billbury added 14 points for the Rams, while Brooked chipped in 11 and four steals.
- Miles Reynolds led Saint Louis with 17 points.
NOTABLES
- VCU has won four straight over Saint Louis, including two in a row at Chaifetz Arena.
- Johnson has hit 61 three-pointers this season.
- The NCAA record for fewest field goals allowd in a half is one, a mark held by several teams.
- The Rams nearly equaled their program record for fewest field goals allowed in a game. VCU gave up just 12 field goals in a 1992 game with New Hampshire. The Rams allowed a school-record low 37 points in that game as well.
WHAT'S NEXT
- The Rams return to the Stuart C. Siegel Center to host Fordham on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. American Sports Network will carry that telecast.
