Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor\u00a0<\/p>\n
VCU women\u2019s basketball started the week strong and continued its winning streak against Atlantic 10 opponents, beating Duquesne University on Jan. 11.<\/p>\n
The Dukes fell to 0-5 in conference play while the Rams improved to 2-3. VCU was without its star player fourth-year-guard Mary-Anna Asare who is out for the rest of the season with an injury.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Duquesne won the tip off, but both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Missed shots were traded until Dukes\u2019 first-year guard Alexis Bordas scored a jumper.<\/p>\n
Duquesne then went on a 5-0 run until VCU shut it down with a jumper by fourth-year forward Makennah White. Shots were exchanged on both ends, but the Dukes tightened their defense and forced turnovers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
VCU tried to take control in the last two minutes of the first quarter.<\/p>\n
Redshirt second-year forward Hawa Doumbouya shot back-to-back free throws during the last minute. She made 3-for-4 to tie the game at 10.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Dukes\u2019 third-year guard Reina Green immediately responded with a driving layup with four seconds left ending the first quarter 12-10.<\/p>\n
The second quarter opened up with made free throws from VCU second-year forward Katarina Kne\u017eevic, tying the game at 12. Both teams struggled scoring, but the Dukes found momentum.<\/p>\n
A three-point exchange followed, beginning with Dukes\u2019 Bordas drilling a deep three from the logo. Kne\u017eevic answered on the next possession with a three of her own.<\/p>\n
The Rams did not slow down their tempo. Third-year forward Lucy Ghaifan scored back-to-back layups at the two minute mark.<\/p>\n
Duquesne responded with another deep three from Bordas to regain control.<\/p>\n
A late turnover from the Rams led to a layup from redshirt second-year guard Gabby Grantham-Medley to end the half, giving the Dukes a 30-27 lead.<\/p>\n
Both teams shot under 50% from the field \u2013 Duquesne at 41.4% and VCU just below at 36%.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Duquesne made a statement to start the second half with a three pointer by second-year guard Nadia Moore. However, the Rams\u2019 third-year forward Luc\u00eda Sotelo drove the ball to the basket to answer back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Dukes\u2019 first-year forward Raevin Washington anchored their defense, recording three blocks in the same possession. On the other end, Bordas went on a personal 6-0 run shooting back-to-back threes at the six-minute mark.\u00a0<\/p>\n
VCU\u2019s first-year guard Laia Crespin answered with a three, providing an aggressive spark for the Rams.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoach Nsiah always told me if you are the smallest on the court, then you have to be the smartest, so that\u2019s what I always try,\u201d Crespin said.<\/p>\n
Free throws from both teams picked up towards the end of the third quarter, but Dukes\u2019 remained with the lead 50-43.<\/p>\n
White started the fourth quarter with a three point jumper, cutting the lead down to four. That was the last of the Rams however, as they went into a five minute drought.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A timely timeout gave the Rams newfound momentum. Second-year guard Cyriah Griffin shot a three pointer tying the game at 51 with less than four minutes in regulation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just talked about moving the ball and then we will get some good open looks,\u201d head coach Beth O\u2019Boyle said. \u201cThat was a huge three from Cyriah.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
White gave VCU its first lead of the match with a three pointer with one minute to play. She then extended the lead to 55-51 with two additional free throws. Crespin then followed with two of her own.<\/p>\n
In an attempt to take the lead back, Bordas shot a three pointer cutting the lead down to three.<\/p>\n
However, VCU did not back down \u2014 closing the game with made free throws from Griffin at 61-54.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Boyle said the night\u2019s win was a team effort. Crespin had a team high of 14 points, White followed with 11 and Griffin with nine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe keep saying, it doesn\u2019t\u00a0 matter who we are playing, we are building how VCU basketball is,\u201d O\u2019Boyle said. \u201cToday was a great one.\u201d<\/p>\n
VCU is set to take on Rhode Island at the Siegel Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n
Related<\/p>\n
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