Score: UMass 55, VCU 49
Location: Richmond, Va. (Siegel Center)
Records: 6-6 (4-1 A-10), UMass 9-2 (5-1)
 
The short story: Senior guard Taya Robinson supplied a team-high 14 points, but it wasn't enough as UMass dealt VCU its first Atlantic 10 Conference loss of season Friday night.
 
OPENING TIP

• Robinson finished 5-of-16 from the floor and hauled in four rebounds for the Rams
• Tera Reed added nine points, six rebounds and four assists to the VCU effort
• Sydnei Archie tied a career-high with 12 rebounds to go with seven points for the Black and Gold
• Penn State transfer Sam Breen led all players with 19 points and 11 boards for the Minutewomen
• VCU was held to 30-percent shooting (19-of-64) in the game, including 3-of-21 from beyond the 3-point arc

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• VCU made just three of 15 attempts in the first quarter, as UMass stormed to a 21-7 lead
• In the second quarter, Robinson scored six of VCU's 21 points as the Rams shot 8-of-14 from the floor and pulled within 30-28 at the half
• UMass outscored the Rams 13-2 in the third quarter on the way to a 43-30 advantage
• The Minutewomen led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter but VCU was able to climb back into the game and trailed 51-44 with less than a minute remaining. Reed then buried a 3-pointer from the left corner with 30 seconds left to get within 51-47
• On the ensuing play, Janika Griffith-Wallace came up with a steal and found Archie for a fast break layup to pull the Rams within 51-49 with 16 seconds remaining
• UMass made 4-of-4 free throws in the waning moments, and VCU misfired on two late 3-pointers

 
UP NEXT
VCU is scheduled to host Rhode Island on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Siegel Center. That game will be available on ESPN+.