VCU Athletics-Men's Basketball

RAMS FIGHT OFF DELAWARE STATE FOR 79-68 OVERTIME VICTORY
11-26-99
Virginia Commonwealth answered a remarkable performance from three-point range by Delaware State to take a 79-68 victory in overtime on Friday night in the ALLTEL Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. The Hornets lost despite hitting 11-of-22 (50.0 percent) from behind the arc. The Rams made up the difference at the free-throw line, where they converted 19-of-22 attempts (86.4 percent) to just 9-of-12 (75.0 percent) for the opposition. Virginia Commonwealth also took advantage of an overwhelming 27-6 margin in second-chance points.

Junior guard Bo Jones (Richmond, Va.) provided the spark offensively for Virginia Commonwealth, as he tied a career high with 29 points, including a perfect 7-of-7 performance at the charity stripe. Jones' backcourt mate, LaMar Taylor (Richmond, Va.) also finished in double figures for the Rams, as he tallied 14 points and added six assists. Sophomore forward Reggie Okosa (Claymont, Del.) tied a career high by pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds for Virginia Commonwealth. Delaware State's Stefan Malliet had 32 points in the losing effort for the Hornets.

The two teams battled closely the entire game, with Virginia Commonwealth taking the biggest lead of regulation play when a three-pointer by Taylor with just over four minutes left in the first period gave the Rams a 26-19 lead. Delaware State rallied and trailed just 30-27 at halftime.

The Hornets regained the lead briefly at the beginning of the second half, but Virginia Commonwealth quickly went back on top. Another three-pointer by Taylor put the Rams up 45-39 with 15 minutes remaining, but they were not able to shake Delaware State. The Hornets stayed within striking distance and had the lead for much of the final minute of regulation. Trailing 64-62 with under 10 seconds left, Virginia Commonwealth forced a turnover and Taylor drew a foul while driving to the basket. He hit both free throws to send the game into overtime.

In the extra period, The Rams took the early lead, but a three-pointer by Malliet tied the score at 68 with just over three minutes remaining. Those would prove to be the final points of the game for the Hornets, as Virginia Commonwealth went on an 11-0 run to close out the contest.

Virginia Commonwealth is now 2-0 for the first time since the 1993-94 season, while Delaware State falls to 0-4. The Rams continue their season-opening homestand with a game against Colorado on Sunday at the ALLTEL Pavilion. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.

© , Virginia Commonwealth University
Maintained by the VCU Sports Information Department
Comments? VCU Sports Information