The third time proved to be the charm, and Malcolm Armstead’s shot with 3.8 seconds to play was the difference. 

The Wichita State men’s basketball team defeated Virginia Commonwealth 53-51 on Nov. 13, its first win over the Rams in three tries over the past three seasons. 

WSU and VCU battled all game in a low scoring, defensive affair, played in Richmond, Va. Both teams have made a reputation out of strong defensive play, and those characteristics shined brightly in the game.

Each team was held below 36 percent shooting from the field and finished with more turnovers than assists. Rebounds were 38 apiece. 

The difference came in blocks (7-2 in favor of WSU) and free throw shooting (62.5 percent for WSU, 52.2 percent for VCU). 

The game was tied at 51 with just seconds remaining when Shocker guard Malcolm Armstead hit a 17-foot jumper to effectively win the game. 

“He wanted it, and I was smart enough to listen,” WSU coach Gregg Marshall said. “It worked pretty well.”

Junior Cleanthony Early led the Shockers with 13 points. Carl Hall added 12 and Armstead finished with 11.

Hall led the Shockers in rebounds with 11 for a double-double.  

VCU’s Juvonte Reddic led all players with 22 points. 

The teams last meet in last year’s NCAA Tournament in Portland, Ore., where VCU’s win ended the Shockers’ season.

The year before VCU defeated WSU in Wichita in the Bracketbuster’s contest. 

The win gives WSU (2-0) a major early-season RPI boost and could be a major factor in the team’s NCAA Tournament chances this season. 

VCU (1-1) entered the contest receiving 75 votes in the AP poll, putting them as the first team out of the Top 25. 

Other than its game at Tennessee, VCU will likely be WSU’s key non-conference opponent this season.