RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — In a game that defied pregame projections, the VCU Rams mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback to edge the American Eagles 69-63 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Siegel Center.

Despite being projected as overwhelming favorites with a win probability nearing 98 percent, the Rams found themselves in a dogfight against an American team hungry for its second win of the season. The victory improved VCU to 4-7, while American’s hard-luck season continued, falling to 1-9.

The most critical phase of the contest was undoubtedly the final quarter, where VCU erased a five-point deficit by unleashing a 24-point offensive outburst. The Rams, who had struggled to find consistent offense through three periods, finally solved the Eagles’ defense when it mattered most. The surge was powered by a decisive interior presence and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch, flipping a game that had been controlled by American for long stretches.

American, led by a spectacular performance from junior guard Molly Driscoll of Allentown, Pennsylvania, had built its lead through persistent execution. Driscoll poured in a game-high 24 points, including four 3-pointers, and added three assists in 35 minutes. Her backcourt mate, senior Lexi Salazar of Plainfield, Illinois, played a team-high 37 minutes, contributing 9 points and 4 assists. Madisyn Moore-Nicholson of Odenton, Maryland, provided crucial support with 14 points.

The Eagles took a 48-45 lead into the fourth quarter after winning the third period 20-13. They appeared poised to secure a rare road victory, but VCU’s resilience at home, witnessed by a crowd of 1,150, ultimately prevailed.

The Rams’ comeback was a collective effort, spearheaded by a breakout performance off the bench from freshman forward Lucy Ghaifan of Grand Island, Nebraska. In just 13 minutes of action, Ghaifan was a force inside, scoring 16 points on efficient shooting and grabbing key rebounds during the rally. Her physical play drew fouls and helped VCU establish control in the paint late.

VCU’s starting backcourt of Laia Crespin Pastor of Calafell, Spain, and Katarina Knezevic of Belgrade, Serbia, provided steady leadership. Crespin Pastor filled the stat sheet with 7 points, 6 assists, and several critical steals in 35 minutes, while Knezevic added 9 points and 3 assists. The Rams also received significant contributions from Makennah White of Farrell, Pennsylvania, with 10 points, and Daija Preston of Douglasville, Georgia, with 8 points.

American’s Anna Rescifina of Messina, Italy, battled for 36 minutes, finishing with 10 points and 3 assists.

The game began with VCU seizing an early lead, ending the first quarter up 18-13. American chipped away in the second, trailing just 32-28 at halftime, before their strong third quarter set the stage for the dramatic finish.

Both teams now turn their attention to final games before the holiday break. VCU faces a quick turnaround, playing Georgia in Richmond on Friday before traveling to Penn State on Saturday. American will look to bounce back at home against Maryland-Baltimore County on Sunday.