The VCU Rams Get a Career-High 26 Points From Lazar Djokovic in 77 – 68 Win
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 2/11/2026 –
La Salle looked to beat another top team in the Atlantic 10 at the Glaser Arena, but fell to the inside/outside game of the VCU Rams who now have won eight games in a row 77 – 68 in the return of VCU Coach Phil Martelli, Jr.. The Rams were lead by Lazar Djokovic who scored 26 points. The Explorers countered with 17 points by Rob Dockery.
It was a matter of VCU being able to get to the rim or able to draw the defense and make three-pointers. The Rams had 40 points in the paint and make 8 from beyond the arc. The Explorers had 32 close to the basket, but only made 4 from deep. The visitors were hard to guard.
“I think they did a good job of it,” La Salle Coach Darris Nichols said. “If you look late game, we had so bad gambles. We gamble for some loose balls and your rotations and that leads to getting more offensive rebounds. So they get threes and offensive rebounds. You can’t give up both. And we gave up both tonight.”
La Salle Stayed In Contention
VCU did put up runs to take control of the game. But La Salle answered the runs and did not allow them to become explosions. With just under 8 minutes to play the Rams went on a 6 – 0 run to take a 66 – 53 lead with just over six minutes on the clock. The Explorers answered by scoring the next 7 points to pull to within 66 – 60 with just over four and a half minutes left. They could not overcome that lead. It is a sign of growth from this feisty Explorers team.
“I thought we had some big stops when we needed, also we didn’t get some big stops,” Nicholls said. “We did a better job of getting out in transition on those stops and making better decisions when we did.”
What the Numbers Say
La Salle shot 39.3% for the game. VCU was better shooting 48.3% and doubled the LSU total of 4 three pointers. The Explorers went 26 of 21 from the free throw line compared to an 11 for 19 total by the visitors.
Dockery added 8 rebounds to go along with his point total. He was plagued by foul trouble and eventually fouled out. Ashton Walkers scored 14 points and Truth Harris contributed 12. Jaden Johnson handed out a game-best 7 assists. Edwin Daniel blocked 4 shots.
“It’s good to see Truth Harris be a little more aggressive offensively,” Nicholls said. “That’s something needed. He has a better look in his eyes, and a more confident look.”
Jadrian Tracey and Terrence Hill, Jr. added 14 points for the Rams. Nyk Lewis had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Michael Belle swatted 4 shots.
The Rams had 18 offensive rebounds.
Return of Phil Martelli, Jr.
The VCU Coach, Saint Joseph’s graduate, and son of Phil Martelli, Sr. is back in Philadelphia for the only time this season, and said it is special.
“I love Philadelphia,” Martelli said. “Be back and have so many family, friends here and some familiar faces on the other side too. You’re driving down the street, 76 or City Avenue, everything is a landmark to me. Everyone else is on the bus not paying attention. I’m like this is where we did this. It’s always cool to be back.”
Also in attendance was Fran Dunphy and Phil Martelli, Sr. Speedy Morris was under the weather and could not attend. A plethora of coaching talent at 20th and Olney.
“Our radio guy said the three coaches combined for like 11,140 wins or something in the building,” said Martelli, Jr. “I said well, two of those guys carried the load between Fran and my Dad. It’s great to have all of those people here.”
He did remember being in this building the night that Saint Joseph’s guard Marvin O’Connor scored 18 points in the last minute of the game. Phil was on that St. Joe’s team. La Salle won.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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