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.