PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Lazar Djokovic scored 26 points to guide VCU to a 77-68 victory over La Salle in Atlantic 10 men’s basketball on Wednesday night at Tom Gola Arena.

The Rams never trailed after building a 37-31 halftime lead. The Explorers cut the deficit to five points midway through the second half but could not draw closer. VCU’s interior defense, recording eight blocks, and a 40-32 advantage in paint points proved decisive.

Djokovic’s efficiency paced VCU, which improved to 19-6. Rob Dockery led La Salle with 17 points. The Explorers fell to 7-18 despite forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into 19 points. A crowd of 718 watched as VCU shot 48.3% from the field while holding La Salle to 39.3%.