Niagara hung around a little longer than expected, but VCU broke open a surprisingly close game with an 18-4 second-half run on the way to an 84-58 win on Monday at the Siegel Center.
Niagara (2-9, NET: 345) trailed by as many as 12 in the first half, but rallied to get within three, at 37-34, at the break, and tied the score two minutes into the second half on a Justin Hawkins driving layup.
The Rams (7-4, NET: 64) took control with defense – holding the Purple Eagles to four points on 1-of-13 shooting over an 8:48 stretch.
Niagara was just 4-of-24 from the floor in the game’s final 13:59.
Lazar Djokovic had 18 points (3-of-3 FG, 11-of-11 FT) for VCU. Michael Belle had 15 points (5-of-5 FG, 4-of-4 3FG).
Freshman guard Nyk Lewis recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds.
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Chris Graham
