Recap: VCU handles Stetson

After a grueling weekend at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, Virginia Commonwealth University was probably relieved to play in the comfortable confines of the Stuart C. Siegel Center. It showed as the Rams cruised past Stetson 92-56.

November 29, 2012; 7:04 AM • by Aaron Williams

After a grueling weekend at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, Virginia Commonwealth University was probably relieved to play in the comfortable confines of the Stuart C. Siegel Center. It showed as the Rams cruised past Stetson 92-56.

Recap

It was a wild Wednesday as Coach Smart picked up a technical foul, Will Wade wore a crazy jacket, DJ Haley debuted his shaved head, Juvonte Reddic wore knee high socks, Jarred Guest dominated, and VCU scored 92 points while only hitting five 3-pointers.

Either the wildness distracted the “Hatters” or VCU was particularly on point after playing three ranked teams in three days last week, but the Rams dominated.

In a change of pace, Coach Shaka Smart utilized plenty of size. Juvonte Reddic, Jarred Guest, and Justin Tuoyo all saw significant minutes, while DJ Haley and David Hinton also saw action. The result was impressive for VCU as the Rams scored 50 points in the paint, won the rebounding battle 41-31, and limited Stetson’s leading scorer and rebounder, forward Adam Pegg, to one point and three rebounds before he fouled out.

Up by 19 points, Coach Shaka Smart picked up a rare technical with 13:03 remaining in the second half. The timing and margin may surprise some, but that is the nature of HAVOC!. No matter the margin, Darius Theus and Briante Weber dive after balls, and VCU’s big men take charges.

Top performer: Jarred Guest

17PTS, 10REB, 1AST, 1STL, 0TO, 6-7 shooting

Guest set career highs in scoring and rebounds en route to his first double-double in black & gold. The 6-foot-8 sophomore did all his damage in only 16 minutes of action. At one point, he scored 8 points in a two minute stretch. Entering the game, Guest had four total points and nine total rebounds in five games.

5 stats

• VCU’s 92 points is the most since March 20, 2011 in a 94-76 thumping of 3rd seeded Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.
• The Hatters entered the game averaging 75.5PPG and almost 10 3PFG per game. Stetson finished the night with only 56 points and three 3PFG.
• VCU is shooting .645 from the charity stripe. It’s their worst season percentage since shooting .606 during the 2003-04 season. Surprisingly, that team ranked 21st nationally in EFG%.
• With 99 career steals, Briante Weber is one theft away from triple digits. The Sophomore is averaging 2.3SPG while only playing 19.1MPG.
• Rob Brandenberg attempted 13 shots, his highest total since December 9, 2011 against UR. When #11 is in the starting lineup, expect him to put up shot attempts.

Looking forward

VCU hosts a talented Belmont squad Saturday at 7:02 PM in the Stuart C. Siegel Center. The game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet.

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November 29, 2012 7:04 AM 1