What to expect: VCU faces Saint Joseph’s in A-10 Tournament Championship

After an intense weekend of basketball in the Barclay’s Center, #2 Virginia Commonwealth University will play #4 Saint Joseph’s University in the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship Sunday afternoon.

March 16, 2014; 10:15 AM • by Aaron Williams

• What: VCU (26-7, 12-4) vs. Saint Joseph’s (23-10, 11-5)
• Where: Barclay’s Center
• When: Sunday, March 16th at 1:00 PM
• Watch: CBS
• Listen: Rams Radio

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After an intense weekend of basketball in the Barclay’s Center, #2 Virginia Commonwealth University will play #4 Saint Joseph’s University in the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship Sunday afternoon.

The Rundown

• 1. Can VCU Get Revenge?

Coach Smart is 24-5 in revenge games and he has shown an uncommon ability as a coach to prepare his team for March. VCU feels like the block/charge call in the Rams’ 62-69 loss at Saint Joseph’s on 2/8 changed the outcome of the game.

If the Rams cut down the nets today, that call will fade. One important thing to watch is Treveon Graham’s demeanor. He’s usually one of the most stone-faced players in basketball but he has definitely shown emotion twice this season: after hitting the game-winner at UVA and after that call.

• 2. Can the Hawks Keep Up?

HAVOC! is brutal and it gets tougher every game a team plays on consecutive days. Saint Joseph’s is at a particular disadvantage because of their tiny rotation. They typically only play 5.5 players. In the first meeting, their starters played 92% of minutes.

Guard Langston Galloway and forward Halil Kanacevic were their best players and combined for 79 minutes of action. Coach Martelli has tried sprinkling in some bench players this weekend but his team could finally show signs of exhaustion today.

• 3. Can VCU Stops the Hawks’ Interior?

In the first meeting, Saint Joseph’s shot .528 from 2-point range and rebounded .351 of their misses. Second chance points were probably the difference in the first meeting. The confident play of Mo Alie-Cox could be the difference today. On 2/8 he played 9 minutes and recorded a steal. Yesterday he played 17 minutes and recorded 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal.

• 4. Who Will Start and How Will the Rams Respond to the Loss of Melvin Johnson?

Losing Melvin Johnson hurts, especially from 3-point range but the Rams will need to move on in less than 24 hours. Who will start in his stead and who will make plays? Yesterday, Jordan Burgess struggled from the field but was fantastic on defense. Mo Alie-Cox was a force that is tough to describe with words. Coach Smart has always preferred to start big (depending on personnel). Don’t be surprised if Juvonte Reddic and Mo Alie-Cox spend plenty of time together in the front court.

• 5. Is VCU Peaking at the Perfect Moment?

After a tough stretch losing three of four games, VCU has won six consecutive games including games against Saint Louis and George Washington. The Rams have climbed all the way up the 2nd nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and their offense is in the top-100 for the first time in a long time according to KenPom.com.They rank 10th overall according to his rankings.

Treveon Graham’s 3-point slump is finally over and Briante Weber is undoubtedly playing the best basketball of his career. If they can keep it up, VCU should have a chance of making the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

The Prediction

It promises to be the toughest game of the weekend for VCU but the Rams should triumph in the final minutes by single digits. KenPom picks VCU to win 72-66 with a 73% chance of victory.

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Saint Joseph’s Profile

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Enrollment: 8,800
• Conference: A-10
• All time series: VCU leads 3-2.
• Last meeting: 2/8/14. Saint Joseph’s won 69-62.

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Related

• What to expect: VCU vs. St. Joseph’s
• Recap: Terrible call stymies VCU comeback

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March 16, 2014 10:15 AM 1