Little Rock Basketball Falls to VCU 82-72 in Season Opener

Little Rock Basketball Falls to VCU 82-72 in Season Opener

by

RICHMOND, Va. — The Little Rock men’s basketball team began the 2026-27 regular season Monday night, losing to VCU, 82-72, at the Siegel Center. The Trojans competed for the full duration of the game, only trailing by four points at halftime before the Rams took control in the second half.

Second Half Surge

VCU started with an early lead, but Little Rock managed to claw its way back into the matchup. Aaron Clark made a shot from three-point range, and Taj Walters then sank a three-pointer to narrow the Trojans’ gap to one at 11-10. The Rams answered to preserve their lead, yet Little Rock kept up the fight. Clark also contributed a layup and two free throws, while Papa Amadou Kante ignited the team from the interior with a basket and two free throws. Bradyn Hubbard’s layup late in the half enabled the Trojans to draw within one, but VCU tallied points in the final seconds to secure a 37-33 lead going into the intermission.

Trojans’ Late Push

The Rams increased their lead early in the second half, but the Trojans persisted in seeking chances to get back in the game. King scored on two straight possessions, and Clark and Kante added points to keep Little Rock within reach. VCU created some space in the middle part of the half, building a lead of more than ten points. Little Rock didn’t stop fighting, with King leading the offensive push in the final minutes. King drained two three-pointers in the last minute, allowing the Trojans to reduce the difference to six before VCU secured the 10-point win.

Next Game

Little Rock heads back home for its regular-season home opener on Saturday, Nov. 7, hosting Southeastern Louisiana at the Jack Stephens Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the game available to listen to on the Little Rock Trojan App.

More on Siegel Center

Related reading

Read next