VCU gets win #5 over UNC-Wilmington 58-47 (11-28-18)

By: Lamonte Thomas

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network

Wednesday, November 28 was a night that two winning college basketball programs put their teams to the test. The Lady Seahawks of UNC Wilmington carried a 4-1 record into the game with its only loss to Ohio University, while Virginia Commonwealth University Lady Rams entered the matchup at 4-2. The energy was high on both sides of the court through warmups and introductions as they focused on continuing their victorious momentums.

Offensively, the game began slow for both teams as they each shot 30% from the field. UNCW’s explosive guard Shrita Parker missed some open looks after getting to the basket, and both teams struggled from range throughout the game– each hitting three 3-pointers of a combined 34 attempts. VCU played tough defense, recording 10 blocks throughout the contest including three from sophomore guard Taya Robinson, and two each from forward Sydnei Archie and freshman Kseniya Malashka– whom Coach O’Boyle praised for her length and ability to disrupt offenses. Though the Rams picked up on offense in the second quarter, the Seahawks’ struggles continued as they shot 16% and trailed VCU 24-20 at halftime. 

The second half was headlined by VCU dominance as they surged to an eleven point lead behind strong play from Robinson and Malashka. Both players neared a double-double (Robinson 10-pts, 7 rebounds, Malashka- 10 pts, 9 rebounds) and VCU outscored UNCW in the paint 38-22 throughout the game. Their 32 points from the bench told the story of how deep the Rams were, while the Seahawks’ bench contributed only six points to their starters’ scoring– mostly by guards Shrita Parker (15), GiGi Smith (11) and Lacey Suggs (11). VCU, who once led by 17, ended the game with a 11-point win over UNCW 58-47. UNCW (4-2) will face the 3-3 Fayetteville State Broncos next, while VCU (5-2) travels to take on Georgetown University (4-3).