NORFOLK, VA (Jan. 20, 2001) -- The Old Dominion men's basketball team defeated the Virginia Commonwealth Rams this evening, 77-65. With the win, Old Dominion improves to 8-11, 4-3 CAA. The Rams fall to 11-8, 4-2 CAA.

After dueling to a 31-31 tie in the first half, the Monarchs broke things open midway through the second period with a clutch performance from senior center Clifton Jones, who scored 15 of his game high 19 points in the second half. Jones was also instrumental under the board for the Monarchs, finishing with 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Not to be outdone, sophomore Rasheed Wright finished with 18 points and was 7 of 8 from the field, including 4-4 from three point range.

VCU was led by L.F. Likcholitov, who scored 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds before fouling out. Domonic Jones and Johnnie Story also finished with 10 points each for the Rams.

Old Dominion shot .446 and held the edge in rebounds, 42-38. Old Dominion also went to the free throw line more often and with more success, shooting 18-26 compared to VCU's 10-21.

The Monarchs will return to action on Thursday, when they take on Norfolk State.