VCU opened their season with a 85-69 win against Utah State in the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic.
The Rams were led by Nah’Shon Hyland’s hot shooting. Hyland would finish the game with 23 points on 6-12 shooting (5-10 from the three point line).
At times in the first half, VCU was able to establish what they set out today. They sped Utah State up forcing them into seven turnovers in the half. There were other periods where they forced Utah State to play faster than the wanted to.
Add that to the fact that VCU made seven three pointers and you would think the Rams would be winning at halftime.
Utah State had two impactful runs in the half. After the Rams started the game hot from three, Utah State went on an 11-2 run to take a 17-14 lead. They also ended the half on an 8-2 run to lead 41-38.
In the second half, VCU made a more concerted effort to get the ball inside but they had a hard time dealing with the length of 7-footer, Neemias Queta.
Utah State went on an early 10-1 run to push their lead to 55-45 lead while VCU continued to struggle from the field. The Rams made just two of their first seven shots of the half.
The Rams responded with an 20-8 run to take a two point lead at 65-63. Utah State would go scoreless for 4:18. During that time, VCU outscored the Aggies 15-0 as their lead grew to eight points.
The Rams held Utah State to 32.1% shooting in the second half.
Notes:
VCU outscored Utah State by 19 points in the second half
VCU forced 11 turnovers in the second half
The Rams made their first four three-pointers.
Photo Credit: Dave Eggen/Inertia
