Bragging rights: VCU upends Richmond 65-57 in the Black and Blue Classic

In a game that lived up to its name Virginia Commonwealth defeated the University of Richmond 65-57 Saturday night to capture the Black and Blue Classic for the sixth consecutive year.

December 13, 2009; 8:47 AM • by William King

We’ve got great photos from the game, make sure you check them out. Also, the Box Score.

In a game that lived up to its name Virginia Commonwealth defeated the University of Richmond 65-57 Saturday night to capture the Black and Blue Classic for the sixth consecutive year.

The Spiders came out hungry and dominated the first half behind senior David Gonzalvez who scored 12 of his 19 points in the opening frame.

The Rams had no answer for Gonzalvez and the Spiders stingy defense, which held VCU to an abysmal 29.2% shooting from the floor and just 1-10 from behind the arc in the first half.

Senior TJ Gwynn was the lone bright spot for the Rams scoring 12 points in the first half on 5-9 shooting keeping the game close for the VCU.

Richmond would led by as many as 12 points before going into halftime with a 29-20 lead.

The final twenty minutes would prove to be a reversal of fortunes for VCU who opened up the second half with a 19-4 run. Terrance Santil scored all seven of his points during the rally pushing the Rams to a 39-33 lead with 13:43 to go in the game.

From there the Rams turned up the defensive intensity holding Richmond to 11-of-31 shooting and to just two field goals over the final 6:38.

Senior TJ Gwynn finished with a career high 20 points and teammate Larry Sanders registered his fourth consecutive double-double with 12 points and 13 boards for the Rams.

David Gonzalvez scored 19 points and Kevin Anderson added another 18 points and 3 assists in a loosing effort for the Spiders.

VCU improves to 6-2 overall and 0-1 in CAA. Richmond falls to 7-2 on the year.

Both teams will return to action next week. Richmond will travel to the University of South Carolina Wednesday for a 7p.m. showdown with the Gamecocks. The Rams will take on the Green Wave of Tulane University Saturday in New Orleans. Tip is set for 2 p.m.

Photo by Daniel Warshaw