RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) -
Juvonte Reddic scored 22 points and pulled down ten rebounds, but it was not enough, as VCU fell to Wichita State, 53-51. The Rams are now 1-1 on the season.
It marks VCU's first non-conference home loss since the 2008 NIT when the Rams fell to Bradley, and first non-conference regular season home loss since a defeat at the hands of Bradley in February of 2007.
Neither team led by more than five points throughout a game that featured nine ties and ten lead changes. Wichita State held a 28-24 lead at the break, but a 9-0 VCU run to open the second half would put the Rams in front, 33-28. The Shockers fought back and held a four point lead in the final minute, but VCU would again fight back and trim the deficit to 53-51. With 3.8 seconds to play, Treveon Graham heaved a half-court pass to Reddic, who drove for a lay-up attempt and was fouled with five-tenths of a second remaining. The Rams argued for a goaltending call, but the call stood as a two-shot foul. Reddic missed the front end and his second attempt did not hit the rim, ending the Rams' chances at victory.
VCU struggled from the free-throw line, hitting just 12 of its 24 attempts on the night.
The loss was not the only bad news of the evening, as guard Troy Daniels went down with an ankle injury in the second half and had to be carried off the floor. He was unable to put any weight on his right ankle at the time, but was seen walking during the postgame handshakes. No update was given after the game.
The Rams return to action when they travel to Winthrop on Saturday for their first road game of the season.
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