VCU Women’s Basketball Snaps Skid with 69-63 Win Over American

Richmond, VA — The VCU Women’s Basketball team defeated the American Eagles 69-63 on Tuesday night, snapping a six-game losing streak. The game featured eight lead changes and was tied six times throughout the night.

VCU controlled the game in key areas, dominating points in the paint 36-16 and getting a significant lift from its bench, which accounted for 41 points. Lucy Ghaifan led the way with a career-high 16 points, while Makennah White added 10 off the bench. American received just two points from its reserves. Molly Driscoll led the Eagles with 24 points.

Rams Close the First Quarter Strong

VCU came out with energy early. A three-pointer from Tanya Tkachenko and a layup by Luicia Sotelo gave the Rams a 5-0 lead in the opening minutes. American responded with a 7-0 run, capped by a Madisyn Moore-Nicholson layup to take an 11-7 lead with 5:29 remaining in the first quarter, which marked the Eagles’ largest lead of the game.

The Rams answered back. Following a pair of free throws by White, VCU closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to take an 18-13 lead after one.

VCU Builds Momentum in the Second Quarter

American trimmed the deficit early in the second quarter when Charlotte Tuhy scored on a layup to make it 18-17. VCU responded with a 7-0 run sparked by baskets from Tkachenko and Daija Preston, along with a three pointer from Katarina Knezevic, pushing the lead to 25-17 with 4:53 left in the half.

The Rams continued to extend the lead. A layup and a three pointer from White gave VCU its largest advantage of the game at 11 points, making it 30-19 with 2:32 remaining. American closed the gap late, but VCU still carried a 32-28 lead into halftime.

American Makes Its Push

VCU maintained its edge early in the third quarter, but the Eagles began to find their rhythm. A layup from Anna Rescifina tied the game at 37, and Lexi Salazar followed with a three pointer to give American a 42-40 lead. Free throws from Rescifina and Charlotte Tuhy helped the Eagles take a 48-45 lead into the fourth quarter.

Ghaifan Takes Over Late

With the Rams trailing in the fourth quarter, Ghaifan delivered her best stretch of the night. She went 3-for-5 from the field and completed a three-point play to put VCU back in front 54-52 with 7:32 remaining.

Driscoll knocked down two three-pointers to give American a 58-54 lead with 6:42 left, but those would be the Eagles’ final made field goals. Driscoll later converted a free throw to give American a 61-60 edge with 3:41 remaining, marking the last time the Eagles led.

VCU closed the game on an 8-0 run. A layup from Ghaifan, a pair of free throws, a layup by Patricia Augustin, and a pair of free throws from Laia Crespin sealed the comeback. The Rams held on for the 69-63 victory.

Box Score

What’s Next

VCU, now 4-7 overall and 0-1 in Atlantic 10 play, will head to the Henrico Sports and Events Center for the 4 Tha Culture Holiday Hoops Classic. The Rams will face Georgia on Friday, December 19, with tipoff scheduled for 7 pm.

Maggie Doogan Powers Richmond to 81-45 Win Over Bethune-Cookman

Richmond, VA — The Richmond Spiders defeated the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 81-45 on Tuesday afternoon on Education Day at the Robins Center.

Richmond was led by Maggie Doogan, who was named the Atlantic 10 Women’s Player of the Week for the fourth time this season. Doogan finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Kailyn Peters paced Bethune-Cookman with 10 points.

Spiders Jump Out Early

The Spiders wasted no time asserting control. Richmond opened the game with four three pointers, three from Doogan and one from Rachel Ullstrom, building an early 12-0 lead. Following the game, I spoke with head coach Aaron Roussell, who shared his thoughts on the fast start.

Bethune Cookman responded after falling behind 14-2. Daimoni Dorsey completed a three point play and Janessa Kelley knocked down a three pointer as the Wildcats went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 14-8 with 4:07 remaining in the first quarter. It marked the Wildcats’ largest run of the game.

Richmond answered right back and closed the opening quarter with a commanding 25-10 advantage.

Spiders Close the Half Strong

Alexandria Johnson’s layup with 2:24 remaining in the second quarter cut Richmond’s lead to 40-24, but the Spiders responded once again. The duo of Doogan and Ullstrom closed the half on a 7-0 run. Doogan scored on a layup and a three pointer, and Ullstrom finished the run with a layup in the final seconds to send Richmond into halftime leading 47-24.

Doogan Electrifies the Crowd

The Spiders carried the momentum into the second half. Richmond opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run fueled by a three pointer from Ullstrom, a pair of free throws by Tierra Simon, two layups from Alicia Newell, and a layup by Sam Dewey. The run pushed the lead to 60-27 with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter.

Doogan delivered another moment for the home crowd when she scored Richmond’s 67th point with 43 seconds left in the quarter, sending the announced crowd of 2,590 into a frenzy as the now familiar number continued to trend throughout the season.

Richmond led 69-30 at the end of the third quarter and cruised through the final period to secure the 81-45 victory.

Box Score

What’s Next

The Spiders, now 9-3 overall and 1-0 in Atlantic 10 play, will head to the Henrico Sports and Events Center for the 4 Tha Culture Holiday Hoops Classic. Richmond will face Alabama A&M on Saturday, December 20, with tipoff scheduled for 1 pm.

Georgetown Improves to 5-0 After Dominant Win Over Wagner

(Washington, DC ) The Georgetown Hoyas picked up a 92-75 win over the Wagner Seahawks on Saturday afternoon, moving to 5-0 on the season. Malik Mack led the Hoyas with 18 points, while Jaden Baker paced Wagner with 22.

Hoya Starters Step Up

All five Georgetown starters finished in double figures. Mack led the group with 18 points. Julius Halaifonua added 16, Caleb Williams chipped in 15, Isaiah Abraham scored 12, and KJ Lewis finished with 10.

Seahawks Strike First

Wagner opened the game with some early momentum. Bryan Akanamu knocked down a jumper with 17:54 left in the first half to give the Seahawks a 5-2 lead. Jaden Baker followed with another jumper at the 17:20 mark, pushing their lead to 7-4. It turned out to be the last lead Wagner held.

Hoyas Take Control

Georgetown settled in quickly. Jeremiah Williams sank two free throws to put the Hoyas ahead 9-7 with 15:09 remaining in the half, and they never looked back. The Hoyas broke the game open with a 12-0 run, capped by a three-point play from Kayvaun Mulready that pushed the lead to 40-18, their largest of the night with two minutes to go in the half. Georgetown went into the break up 44-27 and kept a comfortable double-digit lead throughout the second half on the way to the 92-75 win.

After the game, I spoke with Head Coach Ed Cooley about the strong start and how the team maintained its momentum throughout the afternoon.

Box Score

What’s Next

Georgetown, now 5-0, will take on Dayton at the 2025 Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational on Thursday, November 27. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM.