James Skeen led the way with 23 points and nine rebounds as Virginia Commonwealth took down UCLA, 89-85, on Friday in the consolation game of the Dick’s Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off at Madison Square Garden.

Bradford Burgess added 15 points for the Rams, who can use all the wins against big-conference teams they can get in an effort to pad an NCAA Tournament resume that will take some hits in a soft Colonial Athletic Association schedule.

VCU led, 40-37, at the half and had it stretched out to 69-56 after Rob Brandenburg’s layup with 7:09 left in the game. But the Bruins battled back, pulling to within 80-79 when Malcolm Lee drained a 3-pointer with 1:45 left to play.

The Rams did not fold, scoring on their next two possessions to regain control and hitting all six of their free throws over the final 31.6 secondds to seal it.

UCLA (3-2) comes off a disappointing showing in New York and now has to go back on the road to face No. 6 Kansas next week.