The good news was Rider compiled its highest point total against a Division I opponent this season. The bad news was it also gave up its highest point total of the season. The final result was a 100-79 setback against VCU on Monday night in the non-conference finale at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Va. Ahmad Nowell’s put in 19 points off the bench as he went 7 of 8 from the field (5 for 5 from 3-point range) and the Rams (9-4) buried the Broncs with a blizzard of 3s in the second half. Keyshawn Mitchell added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Lazar Djokovic had 13 points. VCU made seven of its 11 treys in the second half and outscored Rider from beyond the arc 33-6. Shemani Fuller led the Broncs (1-10), finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Zion Cruz added 13 points and six assists for Rider. Caleb Smith also recorded 13 points and three steals. The loss is the eighth in a row for Rider. VCU took the lead with 7:24 left in the first half and did not trail again. Djokovic led the Rams with 12 points in the first half to help put them up 45-36 at the break. VCU extended its lead to 68-45 in the second half, fueled by a 10-0 run. “I thought we did some good things in the first half, but we just got to find a way to keep our composure and execute better when we are close in the games,” Rider coach Kevin Baggett said. “But we’re trending in the right way.” The Broncs, who are 0-2 in the MAAC, host Manhattan on Dec. 29 in their next game. That is the first of 18 MAAC games remaining in the season. ...read more read less