VCU punches ticket to A-10 semifinals with win over Duquesne

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WRIC) -- The VCU Rams defeated the Duquesne Dukes 71–66 in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Tournament Friday at PPG Paints Arena.

Terrence Hill Jr. led VCU with 20 points and six assists, including 11 points in the second half. Michael Belle added 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

VCU took control late in the first half with a 16–3 run to turn a three-point deficit into a 39–29 halftime lead. Hill capped the run with a 3-pointer just before the buzzer.

Duquesne kept the game close in the second half and cut the lead to two points in the final minute. But VCU made key free throws and a late steal to secure the win.

Lazar Djokovic scored 13 points for the Rams, while Alex Williams led Duquesne with 20 points.

With the win, VCU advances to the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament, where it will face either the Saint Joseph's Hawks or the Davidson Wildcats on Saturday at 3:30.