What to expect: VCU vs. Northeastern; CAA Tournament edition

Here we are, the second day of the CAA Tournament with everything going pretty much as expected. Today, in the tournament’s evening session, VCU is looking to advance to the CAA semifinals with a win over Northeastern–the Rams’ conference Kryptonite.

March 3, 2012; 10:23 AM • by Ross Catrow

• What: #2 VCU Rams (25-6, 15-3) vs. #7 Northeastern Huskies (14-16, 9-9)
• Where: Richmond Coliseum
• When: Saturday, March 3rd at 6.00pm
• Tickets: CAASports.com — multiple ticket packages available
• Watch: CAA-TV; TCN; CSN-NE; CSS; ESPN3
• Listen: ESPN 950 or online

— ∮∮∮ —

The Rundown

Here we are, the second day of the CAA Tournament with everything going pretty much as expected. Today, in the tournament’s evening session, VCU is looking to advance to the CAA semifinals with a win over Northeastern–the Rams’ conference Kryptonite. The last time these two teams met, almost a month ago, VCU squeaked by on a 59-56 win, and that was at home!

This game is a must win for VCU to have any hope in landing a NCAA tournament bid. The Rams will need to capitalize on their recently improved offense and on the Huskies propensity to turn the ball over (on 22.8% of their possessions).

The Team

The Huskies will come into this game looking to limit their turnovers. But that may be challenging: Northeastern ranks 327 out of 345 in turnovers per possession and 299 in turnovers per game. Oh and VCU, they just rank #1 in steals per posession and per game. No big deal. On paper the Rams should come out, take care of business, and move on to Sunday, but for whatever reason Northeastern always gives VCU fits.

And, as William & Mary learned last night, the Huskies can get hot in a hurry. NU, only up by a possession, exited half time and quickly made four threes in a row. That pretty much doomed any chance of a Tribe upset.

The Star

Jonathan Lee is the Huskie to watch; he leads his team in all major categories. But against William & Mary however, Lee got into foul trouble early and ended up only playing 11 minutes. He eventually fouled out midway through the second half.

Northeastern Profile

• Location: Boston, MA
• Conference: CAA
• All time series: VCU leads 7-6
• Last meeting: VCU won 59-56 in Richmond

— ∮∮∮ —

To stay up to date on all things VCU Basketball related, follow @rvaRAMnews on twitter

— ∮∮∮ —

March 3, 2012 10:23 AM 0