What to expect: Hofstra at VCU

Tonight, VCU hosts the Hofstra Pride. It is their second meeting of the season and the Rams need to win this game if they hope to stay in the hunt for first place in the CAA.

January 23, 2012; 6:54 AM • by Aaron Williams

• What: VCU Rams (15-5, 6-2) host Hofstra Pride (7-13, 1-7)
• Where: Stuart C. Siegel Center
• When: Monday January 23rd at 7pm
• Listen: 107.3 or Online
• Tickets

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The Rundown

After barely beating William & Mary and romping Old Dominion, the VCU Rams are now 2-0 in their stint of four games in seven days. Tonight, VCU hosts the Hofstra Pride. It is their second meeting of the season and the Rams need to win this game if they hope to stay in the hunt for first place in the CAA.

The Team

The Pride are led by senior guards Mike Moore and Nathaniel Lester. After a strong showing in 2011 behind Charles Jenkins, the Pride have struggled this season in almost every area of the game. The one area in which they have excelled is getting to the free-throw line–which may frustrate the Rams.

Hofstra’s lack of size creates some serious matchup issues against VCU. Last time out Juvonte Reddic, D.J. Haley, and Jarred Guest shot 83% from the field and scored 20 points. Don’t be surprised if the Rams feed the post even more than last time.

The Star

Mike Moore is the CAA’s leading scorer at 19.6 PPG. While is an able scorer, rebounder, and defender, he is also turnover prone. After VCU forced 25 turnovers against a much more mature ODU team, don’t be surprised if the “HAVOC” defense disrupts Mike Moore.

Prediction

Ken Pomeroy predicts VCU will win 73-58 with a 92% chance of victory. After winning at Hofstra, VCU will likely perform better at home and beat the Pride a second time.

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Hofstra profile

• Location: Hampstead & Uniondale, NY
• Enrollment: 12,400
• Established: 1935
• Conference: CAA
• All time series: VCU leads 43-42
• Last meeting: VCU won 80-63

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January 23, 2012 6:54 AM 0