VCU and Fordham went back-and-forth in a game with 11 ties and 11 lead changes, but the Rams rode their defense and outscored Fordham 19-8 over the game’s final 9:35 to pull out a 69-62 win on Tuesday.
With the victory, VCU (20-12) advances to the A-10 Tournament quarterfinals Thursday, where it will face UMass.
VCU senior guard Max Shugla scored a team-high 14 points while adding seven rebounds and four assists. Shulga was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
Sophomore forward Tobi Lawal had 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Lawal went 9-of-11 from the free throw line.
Senior guard Zeb Jackson was the third Ram in double figures with 10 points.
Fordham (13-20) was led by Kyle Rose, who scored a game-high 19 points and three rebounds.
VCU’s defense keyed the run down the stretch, holding Fordham without a field goal for the final 6:26 of game action.
The Black and Gold scored 15 points at the free-throw line during that stretch despite not hitting a field goal for the final 8:41.
Neither team led by more than four points the entire second half. VCU trailed 54-50 with 9:35 remaining, but retook the lead with 4:44 left and never trailed again.
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Chris Graham
