Virginia Commonwealth secured a hard-fought 63-59 win over Fordham at Rose Hill Gym, with Lazar Djokovic leading the charge with 17 points. The Rams' victory marked a successful prediction by CHD Scout, which had VCU winning by 3.7 points. Although the final score was slightly lower than predicted, the outcome was spot on, as VCU's strong first-half performance set the tone for the win.
VCU dominated the first half, taking a 35-22 lead into the break. Fordham's Dejour Reaves kept his team within striking distance, scoring 21 points on the night. However, the Rams' balanced attack and stingy defense proved too much for the Rams of Fordham to overcome. Barry Evans chipped in with 11 points and 8 rebounds for VCU, while Tyrell Ward added 8 points to support Djokovic's efforts.
Fordham made a push in the second half, outscoring VCU 37-28, but it wasn't enough to erase the deficit. Rikus Schulte and Akira Jacobs provided supporting roles for Fordham, with 11 points and 6 rebounds from Schulte and 9 points from Jacobs. Despite their best efforts, Fordham couldn't quite close the gap, falling short by four points.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The win is a significant one for VCU, as it boosts their tournament resume with a quality road victory. As a Quadrant 3 win for the Rams, it demonstrates their ability to perform away from home against respectable opposition. For Fordham, the loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which, although not detrimental to their tournament hopes, highlights the need for the Rams to capitalize on future opportunities.
VCU's victory solidifies their position as a strong contender in the NCAA tournament conversation. With a current net ranking of 52, the Rams are well-placed to make a deep run in the postseason. Fordham, on the other hand, sits at 190 in the net rankings, and while their tournament chances are less clear, they can still make a push with a strong finish to the season.
As the season enters its final stretch, VCU's win over Fordham serves as a reflection of their resilience and determination. With their prediction holding true, CHD Scout's forecast has been validated, and the Rams' tournament prospects have received a welcome boost. As VCU looks to build on this momentum, their resume is shaping up to be an impressive one, with this road win over Fordham being a key highlight.