What to expect: Georgia State vs. VCU

Two games into the CAA schedule, the conference is already proving to be full of surprises. The biggest surprise of this season has undoubtedly been the emergence of Georgia State.

January 4, 2012; 6:00 AM • by Aaron Williams

• What: VCU Rams (11-3) host Georgia State Panthers (10-3)
• Where: The Stuart C. Siegel Center
• When: Wednesday January 4th, 7:30pm

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The Team

Two games into the CAA schedule, the conference is already proving to be full of surprises. The biggest surprise of this season has undoubtedly been the emergence of Georgia State. Picked to finish towards the bottom of the CAA and after starting 0-3, the Panthers have won 10 straight games including a road victory over the preseason favorite Drexel.

Despite a lackluster season in 2010-2011, the Panthers split the series with VCU. The teams have won a combined 18 straight games and are 4-0 in the CAA.

The Panthers are a strong defensive team with five seniors. They force turnovers at an impressive rate, and unlike VCU, they are they are great defensive rebounders and shot blockers. That being said, Drexel is their only victory over a team ranked higher than 234th by Ken Pomeroy.

Devonta White deserves credit for leading GSU to such a strong start. In his sophomore campaign, he leads GSU in scoring, assists and steals. Add him to the Panther’s five seniors and suddenly GSU is playing at a much higher level.

Last night Ben Moore of PantherTalk.com tweeted, “DWhite is better than your lead guard.” Tomorrow night’s game will undoubtedly be his greatest test of the season as HAVOC, a 10th straight record sell-out crowd, and the dynamic duo of Briante Weber and Darius Theus put the Panthers win streak on the line.

The Numbers

• Briante Weber leads the nation in stealing percentage at 7.89%. In 2007 Paul Gause finished with 6.89% but finding a number higher than that is difficult.
• In the Rams’ past four home games, they have averaged a 21.75 points margin of victory.
• Over the past eight games, the Rams have seven players averaging 6.3 ppg or more and four players in double figures. (per Scott Day)

The Prediction

Ken Pomeroy picks VCU to win 66-60 with a 73% chance of victory; however, the only remaining game Pomeroy predicts VCU will lose is at GSU.

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GSU profile

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Conference: CAA
• All time series: VCU leads 19-5 (VCU has won 13 of the last 14)
• Last meeting: VCU won 71-54
• Student Enrollment: 32,000
• Established: 1913

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January 4, 2012 6:00 AM 0