Dukes Defeat Rams: VCU Struggles from the Field in 55-42 Loss

Richmond, VA – VCU women’s basketball fell to the James Madison Dukes 55-42 in a challenging matchup at home. The Rams struggled offensively, shooting just 25% (15-61) from the field, while the Dukes fared better at 39% (21-54). Ro Scott led James Madison with 16 points, while Mary-Ana Asare led VCU with 13 points.

The game opened with Jamia Hazell’s jumper putting the Dukes on the board at the 9:13 mark of the first quarter. Mykel Parham responded for the Rams, tying the game at 2 with a layup. However, the Dukes countered with a 7-0 run, capped by Kseniia Kozlova’s layup to establish a 9-2 lead. VCU fought back as Timaya Lewis-Eutsy’s three-pointer and Mary-Ana Asare’s layup cut the deficit to 9-7 with 6:13 left in the quarter. James Madison quickly regained momentum. Hazell’s jumper and a three-pointer from Scott extended their lead to 14-7. Deniz Torgut’s late three-pointer for VCU narrowed the gap to 14-13 with 1:26 left, but Scott’s layup with 56 seconds left put the Dukes' up 16-13 at the end of the 1st quarter.

In the second quarter, Lucia Sotelo gave the Rams their first lead of the game, 17-16, with a layup at 8:52. However, Bree Robinson’s free throws and Ro Scott’s three-point play swung the game back in the Dukes’ favor. A decisive 11-1 run by James Madison stretched their lead to 32-20 with just over two minutes remaining. Asare connected on a three-pointer to cut the halftime deficit to 32-23.

The Rams came out strong in the third quarter. Isabel Whitelaw’s three-pointer capped a 9-0 run, bringing VCU within two points, 34-32, with 6:20 left. But the Dukes answered with a dominating 13-1 run, capped by Annalicia Goodman’s free throws, to take a commanding 47-33 lead. Zoli Khalil’s layup finally ended VCU’s six-minute scoring drought, but the Rams still trailed 47-35 heading into the final quarter.

Despite Timaya Lewis-Eutsy’s three-point play in the fourth quarter, which cut the Dukes’ lead to 49-41, VCU couldn’t close the gap further. James Madison maintained control, securing the 55-42 victory.

The Rams (4-5) will look to bounce back when they face Delaware State on Monday, December 9th. Tip-off is set for 4:30 PM.