vcu basketball: Hill’s hot hand lifts Rams to 78-67 win at Robins Center
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (ET) — VCU survived a late Richmond charge and held on for a 78-67 victory at the Robins Center, paced by Terrence Hill Jr. ’s four 3-pointers and a game-high 20 points. The win extended the Rams’ streak to nine straight and moved them to 20-6 overall and 11-2 in Atlantic 10 play.
Hill’s clutch shooting and timely stops carry VCU
Terrence Hill Jr. emerged as the catalyst late, drilling several pivotal 3s that stymied a spirited Richmond comeback. Hill finished with 20 points, converting four shots from beyond the arc, and his scoring bursts kept the Rams ahead whenever the Spiders trimmed the lead. VCU’s balance on offense proved critical; the Rams mixed perimeter looks with entries inside to keep Richmond’s defense off balance.
Defensively, VCU tightened in key moments. Lazar Djokovic was active on the glass and rotated to contest shots, while guards stepped up to contest perimeter attempts that had threatened to swing momentum. Nyk Lewis managed the floor and helped control tempo, and a sequence midway through the second half saw the Rams force turnovers that led to transition points — the kind of plays that separate a resilient team from one that falters under pressure.
Game flow, moments and supporting cast
The contest featured several highlight plays, including a thunderous dunk by Tyrell Ward over Richmond forward Jonathan Beagle that energized the VCU bench and traveling fans. Barry Evans and Michael Belle contributed with steady minutes, moving the ball and hitting timely shots when the Rams needed to reestablish their control.
Richmond pushed hard in the final minutes, rallying with aggressive drives and offensive rebounds, but VCU’s late-game execution held. The Rams converted free throws in the closing stretch and avoided costly turnovers, finishing the game with the composure expected of a team on an extended run. Richmond’s Will Johnston and Jaden Daughtry provided bursts for the home team, but it wasn’t enough to overtake VCU’s balanced attack.
What the victory means and what’s next
The win not only keeps VCU near the top of the conference standings but also reinforces the program’s identity as a tough, late-game team — a reputation that traces back to historic runs in the program’s past. With the Rams now 20-6 and 11-2 in league play, attention turns quickly to the next challenge: a Tuesday matchup with George Washington. Assistant coach Phil Martelli Jr. has signaled the staff’s emphasis on preparation and the specific challenges that the upcoming opponent presents, underscoring that the team’s focus remains internal despite the winning streak.
For VCU, sustaining this level of play will require continued defensive discipline and consistent shooting from multiple scorers. If Hill keeps his current form and the supporting cast continues to contribute on both ends, the Rams will enter the stretch portion of the schedule as one of the Atlantic 10’s most dangerous teams. The Robins Center result showed the roster’s depth and the coaching staff’s capacity to manage close-game situations — traits that will be tested repeatedly as conference play tightens and postseason implications come into clearer view.
Saturday’s scene at the Robins Center included a lively crowd and the kinds of moments — high-flying dunks, clutch 3-pointers and a young fanbase waving in the stands — that underscore the energy surrounding this VCU team. With a historic pedigree and a current run of form, VCU arrives at the next matchup with rhythm and a clear sense of purpose.
