Score: Davidson 65, VCU 57
Location: Davidson, N.C. (Belk Arena)
Records: VCU 17-6 (10-4 A-10), Davidson 12-7 (7-4)
 
The short story: Sophomore forward Hason Ward and freshman guard Jamir Watkins each recorded double-doubleS for VCU, but the shorthanded Rams dropped a battle at Davidson Saturday in the regular-season finale for both teams.
 
OPENING TIP

• Ward registered his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 boards. He also recorded a pair of steals and a block
• Watkins finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two steals
• Junior forward Vince Williams added 11 points, four rebounds and three assists for the Black and Gold before exiting with an injury with 9:59 remaining
• Luka Brajkovic led three Davidson players in double figures with 15 points

THE DIFFERENCE

• Davidson shot 50 percent (12-of-24) in the second half, compared to 36 percent (10-of-28) for VCU
• Davidson capitalized on 15 VCU turnovers with 14 points
• Williams buried a 3-pointer with 11:31 left to push VCU in front 43-42, but Davidson's Kellan Grady answered with a 3-pointer of his own on the ensuing possession, and VCU would not lead again. Sam Mennenga punctuated a 9-0 run with a layup a short time later for the Wildcats

NOTABLE

• VCU played the game without sophomore guard and leading scorer Bones Hyland (foot), as well as key reserve KeShawn Curry
• The Rams have secured the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament, which, with the exception of the Championship Game, will take place at the Siegel Center, as well as the Robins Center, March 3-6. The Championship Game will be held at Dayton on March 14
• VCU was picked ninth in the A-10 preseason poll
• Ward has recorded two doubled-doubles this season
• Freshman guard Josh Banks provided seven points off the bench for the Rams

NEXT UP
VCU will open A-10 Tournament action on Friday, March 5 at 3:30 p.m. That contest will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.