Rapid Recap: Richmond 70 - VCU 81

Final Score: Richmond 70 - VCU 81

What Happened: VCU jumped out to a 24-11 lead, and Richmond could not overcome this early surge, as the Rams held on for a 81-70 win. Kendall Anthony carried the Spiders with his game high 31 points and Cedrick Lindsay added 21 points - 18 of which came in the second half. six VCU players scored in double figures, including a banged-up Treveon Graham, who finsihed with 13 points and eight rebounds. Juvonte Reddic, who finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, gave Richmond trouble in the post. Richmond, which shot 32 percent from the field, trailed VCU, 34-22, at the half. VCU blew the game open with a 14-2 lead that extended the Rams' lead to 24-11. VCU's defense sparked the run, as the Rams forced turnovers and rushed shots that got them out in transition. Richmond committed seven first-half turnovers, including a combined five from Anthony and Lindsay. VCU led by as much as 16 early in the second half, but consecutive three-point plays from Anthony helped Richmond cut the lead to six. VCU responded with its own run, extending the lead to 51-37. VCU's pressure defense, once again, sparked the run, but in the process, the Rams committed a lot of fouls, and the Spiders were in the double bonus with over 10 minutes to play, and went 18-29 at the foul line. VCU held a comfortable lead for much of the game, but Anthony and Lindsay would not let the Rams pull away. Richmond never got to close to the Rams, however, and VCU held on for the 11-point victory.

Spider Positives: Although Richmond lost, Kendall Anthony was the best player on the court. VCU's athletic guards forced him into a couple early turnovers, but otherwise he played a fantastic game as he carried the Spiders offense. Lindsay struggled in the first half, but he too played a great second half, where VCU looked to hit a few daggers but Lindsay and Anthony kept the Spiders in striking distance. Richmond scored an impressive 42 second-half points and committed only two turnovers in the second half. It was just too little too late for the Spiders.

Spider Negatives: Alonzo Nelson-Ododa has been struggling as of late, and his struggles continued tonight. Nelson-Ododa, who typically starts, came off the bench and played solid defense, but picked up two quick fouls and spent the rest of the game in foul trouble. He finsihed with three points and one rebound. Richmond needs its defensive anchor to get out of this funk. Lindsay and Anthony scored 52 of Richmond's points and 38 of Richmond's 48 second half points. While these two played great, they cannot be Richmond's only options on offense. Richmond showed it could have balanced scoring when five players scored in double figures in last week's St. Joe's win. Richmond will struggle to win A-10 games if Anthony and Lindsay are Richmond's only offensive options.

Up Next: Richmond will look to avenge its loss at St. Bonaventure when the Bonnies visit the Robins Center on Wednesday.

Contact staff writer Jack Nicholson at jack.nicholson@richmond.edu

Follow him on twitter at @Jack_Nicholson