Rodriguez scores 24 points to lead Virginia Commonwealth past James Madison 76-62

Va. Commonwealth defeats James Madison 76-62

RICHMOND, Va. — Joey Rodriguez scored 18 of his 24 points in the first half to lead Virginia Commonwealth to a 76-62 victory over James Madison on Wednesday night.

The Rams (20-7, 11-6 Colonial Athletic Association) set a school record with their fourth straight 20-win season. Forward T.J. Gwynn participated in a win for a school-record 96th time.

After the Dukes scored the first basket, the Rams ran off 13 straight points, 11 by Rodriguez who began the spurt with eight straight points on a short jumper, 3-pointer and three free throws. The Dukes had turnovers on five of six possessions.

James Madison (12-18, 4-13) cut the margin to one on four occasions, but could not regain the lead as a Bradford Burgess’ jumper at the buzzer gave Virginia Commonwealth a 37-33 halftime lead.

Rodriguez finished with 18 points, hitting 6 of 8 field goals, including 3 of 4 3-point attempts.