RICHMOND, Va. -- Nick George scored 18 of his 27 points in the second half as Virginia Commonwealth overcame a slow start to beat Old Dominion 75-71 Saturday evening.
The Rams (10-8, 6-3 Colonial Athletic Association) took their largest lead 71-60 with 1:33 remaining. But VCU missed 6-of-8 free throw attempts down the stretch allowing the Monarchs to close within 3.
The Monarchs (18-3, 8-1) had an 18-5 lead with 13:11 remaining in the first half following a four-point play by Kiah Thomas. But the Monarchs missed 22 of their next 27 field goal attempts as the Rams outscored them 38-19 to take a 43-37 lead with 14:07 remaining in the game.
The Monarchs held on to a 32-29 halftime lead, but the Rams ran off a 14-5 spurt - seven by George - to open the second half. Old Dominion took it no closer than one.
The Rams have beaten Old Dominion ten straight times and VCU coach Jeff Caple is 6-0 against the Monarchs. The loss snapped a seven-game Old Dominion winning streak and handed the Monarchs their first Colonial Athletic Association loss of the season.
George's 27 points were a career high. B.A. Walker added 16 and Michael Doles, 13.
Isaiah Hunter led Old Dominion with 19 points. Thomas had a season-high 16, Valdas Vasylius added 15 and Alex Loughton added 12.
