Preview: Richmond Spiders at VCU Rams RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — The crosstown Atlantic 10 rivalry resumes Tuesday night when the Richmond Spiders visit the VCU Rams at the Siegel Center. VCU (14-6) enters with the stronger overall record and momentum from a 75-69 road win at Davidson on Saturday. The Rams have won four of their last five conference games. Richmond (13-8) looks to halt a three-game skid, most recently an 85-69 loss at George Washington. The matchup features two of the league’s standout forwards. VCU will rely on Lazar Djokovic, who is coming off a 20-point, 8-rebound performance against Davidson. Over his last six games, Djokovic is averaging 17 points and 5.8 rebounds, providing consistent scoring punch. For the Spiders, forward Mike Walz is a key variable. The sophomore had a dominant 14-rebound game in the loss to George Washington but has been inconsistent during the team’s recent slide. His production inside against VCU’s physical frontcourt will be critical for Richmond’s chances. The Rams have defended their home court well this season, while the Spiders have struggled on the road, losing three of their last four away from the Robins Center. VCU’s defensive pressure, a program hallmark, will test a Richmond team seeking to regain its early-January form when it won three straight. This game is the first of two scheduled meetings between the rivals in a three-week span, with the rematch set for Feb. 14 at Richmond. Tuesday’s contest offers VCU a chance to solidify its standing in the A-10 upper tier, while Richmond aims to right its season and claim a crucial quadrant-one victory. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on ESPN2.