The VMI Keydets attempted 55 three-pointers, just one shy of their team record against a Division I opponent, and made 19 en route to a 92-77 win over the Marist Red Foxes in non-conference basketball action Saturday at Cameron Hall in Lexington, Va.
The long-distance barrage saw VMI (5-6) attempt just 20 two-point field goals and post 11 consecutive three-point attempts to open the game. That helped the Keydets take the lead just over four minutes into the game and they would not relinquish it the rest of the way, as they moved to 3-1 at home on the young season.
QJ Peterson led the home team with 25 points, while Tim Marshall posted his second 20-point game over his last three outings. Peterson (17) and Marshall (16) fell just short of the VMI record for three-pointers attempted by a single player, 19, in going 6 for 17 and 6 for 16 respectively.
Marist (1-9) was led by Eric Truog, who had a double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds.
VMI changed up its traditional starting lineup, going with Jarid Watson and Marshall, who made just his second career start. It was Marist, however, that took the early lead, jumping ahead 5-0 in the opening minute. The Red Foxes still led 7-3 at the 18:31 mark, but VMI came back with an 11-2 run that included three triples to take a 14-9 lead with 15:12 left in the half. The Keydets would never trail again, and ran their lead out to as many as 21 in the opening half behind 16 points from Peterson and 20 bench points.
The second half was more of the same, as VMI pulled away early in the second half behind Marshall, who made four consecutive three-pointers at one point. Marist then appeared to be on the verge of a possible comeback following a 10-0 run that cut VMI’s lead to 11, 77-66, with just over 11 minutes remaining. The Keydets, however, answered with a 6-0 run that halted the spurt and the Red Foxes got no closer than 12 the rest of the way.
VMI finished the game 30 of 75 from the floor (40%) and 19 of 55 from long range (34.5%). The Keydets also made 13 of 18 from the charity stripe (72.2%), while Marist was 16 of 24 (66.7%) from the foul line. The Red Foxes went 28 of 59 (47.5%) from the field and 5 of 17 (29.4%) from long range.
In addition, the Keydets finished the game with an 18-6 edge in second chance points and had 24 assists on 30 made shots, led by Trey Chapman’s six helpers. VMI held a 45-38 edge on the class, sparked by Watson’s career-high 11 rebounds, and its bench outscored Marist’s 28-9.
VMI basketball will return to action Dec. 22, as the Keydets travel to Blacksburg, Va. to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies. Game time is set for 7 p.m., and the game can be seen on ESPN3.
QUOTES – VMI Head Coach Duggar Baucom
“I am proud of the guys bouncing back. I thought the effort was outstanding. I thought we rebounded well and different guys gave us different things today. In the first half, the 12 minutes between the first four and the last four minutes made a difference.”
“We were happy to be home and playing in front of the home crowd. We had good effort and energy today.”
“We got some good looks outside the zone and I was pleased how were able to get it inside their zone.”
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