Cox and Tillman lead VCU over UNC Asheville 80-65

Nov 11, 2016, 09:58 pm

RICHMOND, Va. -- Mo Alie-Cox scored 15 points and Justin Tillman added 14 as Virginia Commonwealth beat UNC Asheville 80-65 in a season opener Friday night.

Cox was 5 of 7 from the field and hit 5 of 7 free throws for the Rams. Tillman was 7 of 11 from the field. Each grabbed six rebounds and Cox had three steals. Doug Brooks added 12 points and Jonathan Williams and Samir Doughty had 10 apiece.

JeQuan Lewis sank a 3-pointer with 1:14 left in the first half to give VCU a 36-30 advantage at the break. The Rams never trailed after that.

Tillman drained a layup to put VCU up 47-35 early in the second period. UNC Asheville closed the gap to eight, 55-47, with 11:21 to play but could not get closer.

Ahmad Thomas led the Bulldogs with 20 points. Will Weeks and Kevin Vannatta had 13 points and five rebounds apiece.