Rams crush Blue Hens

What was the No. 1 team in the Colonial Athletic Association, the Delaware Blue Hens, came to VCU’s home court on Wednesday night to meet the league’s No. 2 team. On their way back to Newark, Delaware, the Hens must now feel like they ran into a brick wall in Richmond, as Delaware managed to […]

January 17, 2008; 12:17 AM • by FTRea

What was the No. 1 team in the Colonial Athletic Association, the Delaware Blue Hens, came to VCU’s home court on Wednesday night to meet the league’s No. 2 team. On their way back to Newark, Delaware, the Hens must now feel like they ran into a brick wall in Richmond, as Delaware managed to hit only 13 field goals in the game: VCU 60, Delaware 39.

The Rams defense harassed the Hens into 21 turnovers, while allowing them only five assists. Delaware was simply overmatched. VCU’s defense in its last three games has been outstanding. In this game, before a crowd of 6,877 at the Siegel Center, the home team led for all but the initial three-and-a-half minutes.

Now VCU (12-4, 5-1 in CAA) is atop the CAA standings. Delaware (8-8, 5-1 in CAA) slides down to No. 2, although it remains tied with VCU with an identical record in conference games.

“We’re learning with every game,” said a relaxed Anthony Grant, the Rams head coach. “We’re a work-in-progress, still getting better as a team.”

The Rams offense was paced by senior guard Jamal Shuler, who scored 21 points and grabbed six boards. Freshman forward Larry Sanders had eight points, nine rebounds and five blocks.

VCU’s next game is in Norfolk against ODU (9-9, 4-2 in CAA) at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

January 17, 2008 12:17 AM 0