Score:  Duquesne 71, VCU 67
Location: Richmond, Va. (Stuart C. Siegel Center)
Records: VCU 15-6 (4-4), Duquesne 18-2 (6-1)
Attendance: 1,077 

The Short Story: VCU hosted the Atlantic 10 fourth seed Duquesne on Sunday afternoon. The Rams duked it out all afternoon, but were unable to pull away late falling 71-67.

OPENING TIP

• Adaeze Alaeze just missed a double-double (16 points, 9 rebounds) and Isis Thorpe put up 13 points with seven rebounds to lead to VCU.
• Ashley Pegram reached double-figures, putting up 10 points. GG Goodhope scored eight points and grabbed six boards.
• Jessica Ogunnorin recorded seven rebounds, adding four points, an assist and a block. Chadarryl Clay chipped in seven points and dished out two assists.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Duquesne and VCU swapped buckets all half to remain within four points of each other.
• The Dukes took a 32-31 lead with 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter, but the Rams regained the lead on a trey from Clay.
• VCU opened the second half with a layup from Thorpe, but the Dukes answered with a 6-0 to regain the advantage.
• Goodhope gave the Rams a game-high 5-point lead after draining a three-pointer just before the buzzer.
• The Dukes answered with a 13-5 run to go ahead 55-51.
• Alaeze cut the lead to two, but the Dukes drained a trey as the quarter ended for a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
• Duquesne made it an eight-point game, but the Rams answered with six straight for a 63-61 score.
• The Dukes added another at the line and three more from beyond the arch to create a six-point cushion with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
• The Rams made it a one-possession game, but were unable to force the tie and complete the upset.

• The Rams caused 15 turnovers and have forced double-digit turnovers in each game this season. The Black and Gold lead the A10 in turnovers forced and turnover margin.
• VCU came up with five steals and scored 17 of their points off of Duquesne mistakes.
• The Rams outrebounded their opponent 44 to 35, including 13 to four in the second quarter.
• VCU scored 36 of their points in the paint and 18 off of second chance opportunities. The bench chipped in 20 points.

WHAT'S NEXT
VCU remains at home to host St. Bonaventure on Wednesday, Feb. 3 as. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.