ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis Women's basketball lost its second straight game as VCU came to Chaifetz Arena for a 50-39 win over the Billikens.

Alyssa Koerkenmeier and Zya Nugent kicked off the game with a pair of layups, setting the tone for the quarter. The duo found their offense, scoring four points each. The Rams found their groove from the opening tip, outscoring the Billikens 16-8 to start the game.

Defense led the way for Saint Louis in the second quarter, forcing nine turnovers by VCU. Nugent continued the offense, scoring four more points and causing two turnovers before the halftime break. At the end of the first half, the Rams led 24-16 over the Billikens.

A 6-0 start by the Billikens gave Saint Louis its strongest offensive quarter, as the Bills outscored VCU 13-11 in that frame. The Billikens cut the deficit to keep it close, trailing by six points heading into the final 10 minutes.

VCU opened the fourth quarter with 13 straight points, giving the Rams a 19-point lead, their largest of the game, midway through the quarter. The Bills closed the game on an 8-0 run, but it was too late as the Rams secured their 50-39 victory.
 
NOTEABLES
- Alyssa Koerkenmeier finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double, while setting a new career high in rebounds
- The Billikens closed out the game with a perfect 10-10 from the free-throw line

UP NEXT
The Billikens play their first of two upcoming road games on Sunday, Jan. 11, against Loyola Chicago at Gentile Arena with a 1 p.m. tip.