What to expect: VCU visits UNC-Wilmington

Hot off of a Sears Bracketbuster win over Northern Iowa, the Rams look to win their last road game of the season at UNCW. The two teams last met on December 17th in Richmond when the Rams handled the Seahawks 87-64. Here’s what you can expect this time around.

February 22, 2012; 6:42 AM • by Aaron Williams

• What: VCU Rams (23-6, 13-3) visit UNC-Wilmington Seahawks (9-18, 5-11)
• Where: Raiford G. Trask Coliseum
• When: Wednesday, February 22nd at 7pm
• Watch: UNCW Athletics ($4.95)
• Listen: 107.3 or Online

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The Rundown

Despite last weeks loss to George Mason, VCU has somehow remained in the NCAA Tournament at-large bid discussion. While their chances are a slim 25% according to Joe Lunardi, being in the discussion is good news for VCU. Remember, last season the team didn’t even meet for “Selection Sunday” because their chances were so slim.

Hot off of a Sears Bracketbuster win over Northern Iowa, the Rams look to win their last road game of the season at UNCW. The two teams last met on December 17th in Richmond when the Rams handled the Seahawks 87-64.

The Team

The CAA is extremely young this year and UNCW is simply a young team that is still trying to put all of the pieces together. Junior forward Keith Rendleman and freshman guard Adam Smith are the only real offensive threats on a team that lacks depth. While Rendleman and Smith can score, the Seahawks real problem is turnovers. They average 14 TO’s per game which isn’t horrendous, but in December VCU grabbed 20 steals while forcing 28 TO’s against the youthful Seahawks.

On January 28th, the Seahawks’ season hit a low as the winless Towson Tigers snapped their 41-game losing streak by beating UNCW.

The Star

Junior forward Keith Rendleman is a stud. Averaging 15.2PPG and 10.6RPG, he has scored double figures in all but three games so far this season. Listed at only 6’-7”, Rendleman effectively plays above his weight class, and Wednesday night VCU will look to limit his shot attempts.

The Prediction

Ken Pomeroy favors VCU to win 73-62 with a 83% chance of victory. If the Seahawks fail to protect the ball, they’ll have little chance of victory.

UNCW’s Profile

• Location: Wilmington, NC
• Conference: CAA
• All time series: VCU leads 24-17
• Last meeting: VCU won 87-64

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Related

• Recap: A record setting night for the VCU Rams

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February 22, 2012 6:42 AM 0