Winning and grinning

VCU’s havoc style of basketball was on display in the Championship Game of the inaugural Richmond Downtown Marriott Holidays on the Hardwood Classic. The Rams forced 10 New Hampshire turnovers in the first 10 minutes on 8 steals in route to a 78-65 victory over the Wildcats of the University of New Hampshire.

December 31, 2010; 12:00 PM • by William King

VCU’s havoc style of basketball was on display in the Championship Game of the inaugural Richmond Downtown Marriott Holidays on the Hardwood Classic.  The Rams forced 10 New Hampshire turnovers in the first 10 minutes on 8 steals in route to a 78-65 victory over the Wildcats of the University of New Hampshire.

The Wildcats had no answer for the Ram’s Big Three of Bradford Burgess, Jamie Skeen and Brandon Rozzell.  The trio scored all 43 of VCU’s first half points while shooting13-of-20 from the floor. The rest of the team was a combined 0-of-6 from the floor.

Bradford Burgess lead the way for the Rams with 18 points and four boards in 15 minutes of work. Jamie Skeen added 14 points and Brandon Rozzell contributed 11 to give the Rams a 43-26 advantage at the half.

Ferg Myrick had seven points and Dane DiLiegro chipped in 6 points and 6 boards to lead New Hampshire into the locker room.

The Black and Gold attack would not waver after the break.  The Rams would stretch their lead to 26 points with six minutes to go.  UNH was able to chip away at the Ram lead taking advantage of VCU’s bench.  The Wildcats got to within 14 points before Brandon Rozzell hit a 3 to give VCU a 78-61 advantage and halt any momentum the Wildcats had built.

Junior Bradford Burgess led the way for the Rams with 24 points and 8 rebounds on 9 of 14 shooting. Senior Brandon Rozzell added 23 points shooting 6-for-12 from behind the three-point arc and senior Jamie Skeen finished with 18 points for the Rams

Chandler Rhoads finished with 15 points for New Hampshire.  Ferg Myrick and DeAndray Buckley scored 11 each and Tyrone Conley added 10 points.

Brandon Rozzell and Bradford Burgess were both named to the All-Tournament Team. Burgess was also named the tournament’s most valuable player.

The Rams improve to 9-4 overall and head into conference play next week when they travel to Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, Jan. 3rd for a 7 p.m. tip against Georgia State.

December 31, 2010 12:00 PM 0