VCU shot just 38.7 percent, but the Rams held South Florida to two makes from three, and got to the free-throw line a ton, on their way to a 78-66 win on Wednesday on the opening day of the Battle 4 Atlantis.
The Rams (4-2) got 20 points from junior forward Lazar Djokovic, and a double-double from senior forward Barry Evans, who had 10 points and 10 boards.
South Florida (3-3), which came in averaging 100 points per game, had 40 shot attempts at the rim, but the VCU defense at the rim was solid – forcing 19 misses, with six blocked shots.
VCU advances to meet #24 Vanderbilt (6-0) on Thanksgiving Day at noon. That contest will be televised on ESPN.