NEW YORK (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant start and a desperate, chaotic finish, VCU survived a furious second-half rally by Fordham to escape Rose Hill Gym with a 63-59 victory in Atlantic 10 Conference men’s basketball on Tuesday night.

The visiting Rams from Virginia Commonwealth built a commanding 13-point halftime lead behind stifling defense and efficient early offense, only to see the host Rams from Fordham whittle that advantage down to a single possession in the final minute. The game was ultimately sealed at the free-throw line in a tense final sequence that saw multiple lead changes, turnovers, and strategic fouls.

VCU improved to 17-6 overall, while Fordham fell to 12-11.

The first half was a clinic in VCU’s defensive intensity. Fordham managed just 22 points before intermission, shooting a frigid 22.6 percent from the field. VCU’s length and activity were overwhelming, blocking five shots and forcing eight turnovers, which they converted into seven fast-break points. Offensively, VCU was paced by its interior duo. Serbian big man Lazar Djokovic scored 11 of his 17 points before halftime, while forward Barry Evans added nine of his 11, including an opening-minute dunk off a steal that set an immediate tone.

Fordham’s offense ran almost exclusively through guard DeJour Reaves, who finished with a game-high 21 points. But in the first half, he and his teammates found little room to operate against VCU’s swarming defense, which held them to just two made three-pointers on 11 attempts.

The second half, however, was a stark reversal. Fordham emerged with renewed energy, chipping away at the deficit with a 15-5 run over the first six minutes. The comeback was fueled by improved ball movement, earning nine assists on the night to VCU’s three, and a relentless effort on the offensive glass, where they secured 11 rebounds leading to 14 second-chance points. German forward Rikus Schulte became a focal point inside, scoring nine of his 11 points after halftime.

As Fordham’s defense tightened, VCU’s offense grew stagnant and careless. VCU committed 14 turnovers, leading to 14 points for Fordham. The hosts finally drew even at 49-49 on a three-pointer by Akira Jacobs with just over six minutes to play, capping a 27-14 second-half surge.

The game descended into a tense, back-and-forth struggle from there. The lead changed hands five times in the final five minutes, with neither team able to secure more than a two-point advantage. VCU’s Tyrell Ward, who contributed eight points and two blocks off the bench, hit a crucial jumper to put VCU up 57-55 with 2:37 remaining.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the final 33 seconds. With VCU clinging to a 59-57 lead, Fordham’ DeJour Reaves was fouled and calmly sank both free throws to tie the game. On the ensuing inbound, Fordham was assessed an administrative technical foul for having six players on the court. VCU’s Terrence Hill missed the resulting free throw, but VCU retained possession.

With 14 seconds left, VCU’s Djokovic was fouled and made both free throws to put his team ahead 61-59. Fordham called timeout to advance the ball, but on the inbound pass, Reaves fouled VCU’s Ahmad Nowell, sending him to the line with 11 seconds left. Nowell missed the first but made the second, extending the lead to 62-59.

Fordham had one final chance to force overtime. Reaves launched a deep three-pointer that missed, and a scramble for the rebound resulted in the ball going out of bounds off Fordham with 1.1 seconds left. Djokovic was fouled on the ensuing inbound and made one of two free throws to provide the final margin.

Statistically, the game was a paradox. Fordham won several key categories: they outshot VCU from the field (35.5 percent to 45.5 percent), dominated assists (9-3) and steals (9-3), and committed half as many turnovers (7 to 14). However, VCU’s eight blocks and ability to get to the free-throw line 28 times proved decisive, offsetting their own poor 28.6 percent shooting from deep and 60.7 percent mark from the stripe.

Beyond the key scorers, VCU’s Brandon Jennings filled the stat sheet with six points, three assists, and two blocks. Fordham’s Christian Henry directed the second-half surge with eight assists.

VCU now returns home to face Dayton on Friday, carrying a five-game winning streak. Fordham looks to regroup when it hosts Saint Bonaventure on Saturday. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch in Richmond on Feb. 28.

The most important part of the game was the final 33-second sequence, a chaotic stretch that included a game-tying free throw, a technical foul for too many players on the court, and critical made free throws by VCU’s Lazar Djokovic. This series of events, stemming from a Fordham defensive error and VCU’s composure at the line, decided a contest that Fordham had fought relentlessly to take control of in the second half.