Score: VCU 85, George Mason 70
Location: Fairfax, Va. (EagleBank Arena)
Records: VCU 16-7 (9-3 Atlantic 10), George Mason 12-11 (5-5)
 
The short story: Sophomore guard Ace Baldwin Jr. scored a career-high 18 points and recorded his first career double-double to spearhead VCU to a convincing wire-to-wire road victory Saturday.
 
OPENING TIP

• Baldwin and senior forward Vince Williams Jr. led five Rams in double figures with 18 points each. Baldwin dished out 10 assists and connected on 5-of-10 attempts from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range
• Williams' performance was indicative of VCU's efficiency on the day. He made 7-of-10 attempts, including 2-of-4 from three
• Freshman guard Jayden Nunn added 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting for the Black and Gold. He finished the day 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and provided six rebounds, four assists and two steals
• Senior guard KeShawn Curry (11 points) and junior forward Hason Ward (10 points) also recorded double-figures for the Rams. Ward added six rebounds. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field and 2-of-2 at the free throw line
• Josh Oduro led George Mason with 18 points and nine rebounds

 
THE DIFFERENCE

• VCU delivered its best offensive performance of the year. The Rams tied a season-high with 85 points and shot .556 (30-of-54) from the field, including 9-of-20 from 3-point range. The Rams connected on 16-of-18 free throws
• The Rams forced 17 turnovers and outscored the Patriots 20-9 off turnover opportunities. VCU also owned a 38-24 scoring advantage in the paint
• Curry buried a 3-pointer from the right corner at the 5:23 mark of the first half to cap a 7-0 VCU burst that turned a tight game into a 29-20 VCU lead. The Rams would take a 40-30 lead into the break
• The Rams opened the second half on a tear. VCU hit 8-of-9 shots during a 21-9 run over the first 5:23 of the period, capped by three straight 3-pointers – two by Nunn and one from Williams. VCU led 61-39 at that stage and owned a double-digit lead the remainder of the night
• Mason did manage a 10-0 run, punctuated by a Gaines 3-pointer, to pull within 63-51 with 9:26 left, but the Rams responded with five straight points to end the threat
• VCU outrebounded the Patriots 30-25 

NOTABLE

• VCU has won three straight games and finds itself tied for second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference standings with Dayton at 9-3. Davidson (10-2) owns a one-game lead in the league race
• The Rams improved to 7-1 in true road games this season
• The Rams registered five players in double-figures for the first time since Dec. 30, 2020 at Saint Joseph's
• VCU leads the all-time series with George Mason 44-22

NEXT UP
VCU will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Fordham. Tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 7 p.m.