VCU defeats Rider 100-79
VCU Shuts Down Rider in Dominant Home Win
The Siegel Center was abuzz on Wednesday night as VCU took down visiting Rider 100-79, handing the Broncos their first loss of the season.
The Blowout: A Statement Win for VCU
The Ramrods' convincing victory served as a statement win, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive in non-conference play. VCU's dominance was evident from the opening tip-off, with the home team leading 45-36 at halftime. The difference only grew wider from there, as Rider struggled to find its footing against VCU's stifling defense.
A Tale of Two Halves
Rider's inability to capitalize on its early 3-point shooting sparked a decisive turn in the game. After trailing by nine at intermission, the Broncos attempted to mount a comeback but found themselves stuck in neutral. Meanwhile, VCU continued to pour it on, capitalizing on Rider's mistakes and exploiting their vulnerable defense.
Statistical Breakdown
The numbers tell an even more compelling story than the scoreboard. VCU's 36-29 advantage in field goal attempts spoke volumes about their control of the tempo. The Rams' 64.1% clip from beyond the arc also proved pivotal, as Rider struggled to contain their outside shooting threat.
On the other hand, Rider's 45.0% mark from the field only masked a deeper issue: a lack of scoring punch outside of the paint. The Broncos' inability to extend their 3-point range limited their effectiveness on offense, ultimately leading to a stifling defeat.
Advanced Metrics and Advanced Analysis
From an advanced perspective, VCU's dominance was reinforced by their impressive efficiency metrics. The Rams boasted an eFG% of 66.9%, a true shooting percentage of 69.8%, and an OREB% of 28.6%. These statistics underscored the team's ability to excel in both halves of the court.
Rider, on the other hand, struggled with efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. Their eFG% stood at just 47.7%, a stark contrast to VCU's dominance in this area.
Final Thoughts
Wednesday night's victory marked a turning point for VCU, who will look to build momentum heading into conference play. For Rider, the defeat serves as a tough lesson learned about adapting to different opponents and styles of play.