RICHMOND, Va. – For nearly two years, Head Coach Shaka Smart of the Virginia Commonwealth University has preached a "Wreaking Havoc" style of play. To be a championship caliber team, his Ram squad needed to show the ability to win low-scoring, grind it out games.
On Saturday, in the Colonial Athletic Association opener, the Black & Gold did exactly that with a 59-55 victory over a hard-nosed William & Mary team in front of nearly 6,500 at the Verizon Wireless Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.
"I'm proud of the way our team battled back after a tough first half and showed enough resolve to win against a good William & Mary team," Smart said. "William & Mary is such a tough team to play against because of their style and to be able to come out with a win to start the conference year is always a positive."
http://www.vcuathletics.com/sports/mbkb/...1204vo66p4
VCU vs. William & Mary TV Highlightshttp://www.caasports.com/
or at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWU7ByrTLmE
RICHMOND, Va. – Good senior leaders step up when their teams need them the most. That's exactly what was on display for the Virginia Commonwealth University men's basketball team on Wednesday night against in-state rival, VMI.
Seniors Jamie Skeen and Brandon Rozzell combined for 37 points, 24 in the second half, to lead the Rams past the upstart Keydets, 86-80, in an offensive-minded contest.
"I'm sure that was a fun game to watch, but it wasn't a fun game to coach that's for sure," Head Coach Shaka Smart said. "I'm proud of our guys ability to stick with each other and find a way to win against a tough, athletic VMI squad."
The Black & Gold had four players in double-figures led by Skeen who tallied 19 points and corralled nine boards. Rozzell was a big reason the Rams were able to stay ahead with 18 points on the night, 14 of which came in the second half.
Five Keydet tallied double-figures with both Austin Kenon and Keith Gabriel scoring 17 points, while Stan Okoye registered a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
"Their one of the most dangerous teams in the country," Rozzell said. "It's going to be tough for teams to match their quickness and ability to shoot the ball. If they get hot, watch out
http://www.vcuathletics.com/sports/mbkb/...1208e0shzm
vs. VMI Photos
http://www.vcuramnation.com/2010/12/photos-vcu-vs-vmi/
vs. VMI Video
http://www.vcuramnation.com/2010/12/...lasts-keydets/