VCU 71, JMU 52

The league-leading VCU Rams were just a three-point betting favorite to beat the James Madison Dukes on Wednesday night. In some part that’s because VCU has been showing a nagging lack of toughness in its recent games. In February the talented Rams have allowed some lesser teams that shouldn’t be able to stay with them […]

February 25, 2009; 10:14 PM • by FTRea

The league-leading VCU Rams were just a three-point betting favorite to beat the James Madison Dukes on Wednesday night. In some part that’s because VCU has been showing a nagging lack of toughness in its recent games. In February the talented Rams have allowed some lesser teams that shouldn’t be able to stay with them to do just that.

This time, playing in Harrisburg against a team that took it to overtime two weeks ago, VCU head coach Anthony Grant had his squad ready to press its advantages: VCU 71, JMU 52.

The CAA’s leading scorer VCU senior point guard Eric Maynor poured in 18 points and dished out eight assists. 

The Rams, who led 28-26 at halftime, used an 11-3 burst at the start of the second half to push ahead, 39-29, with 14:19 left. JMU trimmed the lead to three, at 45-42 with 7:31 left, but reliable Maynor scored six points during a 14-2 run that gave the Rams control.

Sophomore forward/center Larry Sanders added his seventh double-double of the season with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. He collected seven of those boards in the second half to help key a 22-16 VCU advantage on the glass.

Junior forward Kirill Pishchalnikov added four points and 10 rebounds for the Rams, while sophomore guard Joey Rodriguez kicked in 11 points.

Juwann James scored a game-high 19 points to spark James Madison (18-12, 9-8 CAA). The Dukes shot just 29 percent (6-of-21) in the second half and misfired on 18 of their 20 3-pointers in the game.

VCU (20-9, 13-4 CAA) hosts Georgia St. (11-18, 8-9 in CAA) at the Siegel Center at 4 p.m., Sat., Feb 28. Should the Rams win they will win their third straight CAA regular season crown.

With one regular season game remaining Maynor is standing just two points away from breaking the VCU career scoring mark, set by Kenrick Warren (1990-94).

Thus, Maynor is in a position to deliver both a new all-time Rams scoring standard and another league title to his glittering resume in what will be his final home game. When Maynor hits his first bucket the Siegel Center is going to explode — don’t wait too long to buy a ticket to this one.

February 25, 2009 10:14 PM 0