2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

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2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

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#22 University of Rhode Island at Virginia Commonwealth University
Siegel Center, Richmond, Virginia
Friday, February 2, 2018
7:00PM


Media

TV: ESPN2

Replay:


Radio: B101, 101.5 FM

Previews:
Richmond.com
WHAT'S AT STEAK

Vegas:

Opponent

Record:
14-8 in Div I, 6-3 in the Atlantic-10 Conference
Road: 3-3
Neutral: 1-2
Home: 10-3
Last season: 26-7, 14-4 in the Atlantic-10 Conference

Rankings:
RPI: 107
BPI: 109
KenPom: 127

Leaders (returning from 2016-17):
Points - Justin Tillman, 12.2 ppg
Rebounds - Justin Tillman, 8.7 rpg
Assists - Jonathan Williams, 3.1 apg

Leaders (after the first 21 VCU games of 2017-18):
Points - Justin Tillman, 18.2 ppg
Rebounds - Justin Tillman, 9.6 rpg
Assists - Jonathan Williams, 5.8 apg

Preview

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1838, it has over 24,000 undergraduates and 7,000 graduate students.

VCU is a city university, an institute of higher learning that is located in the middle of a city. It has no "real" campus. The "milieu" at VCU is most graciously described as gritty and working class. It is dangerous to walk the VCU complex at night.

VCU's athletic teams are collectively known as the VCU Rams. Their colors are Black and Gold.

Befitting a city university, VCU has a strong basketball tradition. From 2011 to 2017, VCU has reached the NCAA tournament each year, reaching the Final Four in the 2011 NCAA tournament. Since joining the Atlantic-10 Conference in July 2012, VCU has reached the A-10 Tournament title game in every one of its five seasons in the Atlantic-10. In 2015, VCU M-BB won its first A-10 championship title. In 2016, VCU won its first Atlantic 10 conference regular season championship, tying with Dayton and St. Bonaventure.

The current Head Coach for men's basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University is Mike Rhoades, now in his first season as head coach at VCU. The 45-year-old Rhoades, a former VCU assistant coach and associate head coach under Shaka Smart from 2009-14, spent the past three seasons as the head coach at Rice.

The latest contestant in what has been a coaching carousel at VCU since the departure of Smart, Rhoades is the third coach that VCU has had in four years. And this year, as Coach Rhoades is apt to remind people, VCU has only 4 players returning. A new coach can always get away with proclaiming "this is a rebuilding year", even though VCU was selected fourth in the Atlantic 10 Conference's Preseason Poll.

So far this season, halfway through Coach Rhoades' first A-10 season since his return from Texas, VCU is 14-8 overall (6-3 in Atlantic-10 Conference play):

RPI	DATE      OPPONENT         W/L     SCORE
261     Nov 10    Grambling         W      94-65
212     Nov 13    North Florida     W      95-85
  1	Nov 17    Virginia          L      67-76
 50	Nov 20    Marquette*        L      83-94
170     Nov 21    California*       W      83-69
 34	Nov 22    Michigan*         L      60-68
275     Nov 28    Appalachian St    W      85-72
104     Dec  2    Old Dominion      W      82-75
 36	Dec  5    Texas             L      67-71
 18	Dec  9    @ Seton Hall      L      67-90
 89     Dec 16    Bucknell          W      85-79
172     Dec 19    Winthrop          W      69-55
292     Dec 22    VMI               W      75-65
264     Dec 30    Fordham           W      76-63
 93     Jan 12    @ Dayton          L      79-106
193     Jan  3    @ Saint Joseph's  L      81-87
164     Jan  6    @ La Salle        W      80-74
217     Jan  9    Duquesne          W      78-67
162     Jan 17    Richmond          L      52-67
187     Jan 20    Geo Washington    W      87-63
142     Jan 23    @ Saint Louis     W      75-74
208     Jan 27    @ George Mason    W      84-76

VCU  .vs.  RPI TOP 150	==   3-6
VCU  .vs.  RPI SUB 150	==  11-2


In the M-BB games that VCU has played so far this season, Coach Rhoades has pretty much gone with a nine player rotation (likely starters in bold)
  • Jonathan "Johnny" Williams (6-1 200) senior guard from Richmond, Virginia. Named to the A-10 Preseason All-Defensive Team. Starting point guard who is averaging 10 points per game and is also the assist leader with 5.8 assists per game.
  • Malik Crowfield (6-4 195) sophomore guard from Laplace, Louisiana. Three point shooter. Last year as a freshman at VCU, he appeared in 34 of 35 contests, including four starts, and averaged 2.1 points, while shooting 36% (21-of-59) from beyond the arc. This season, he is averaging 6.7 points per game, while shooting 37% from beyond the arc. He starts some games, and comes in off the bench for other games. His better games this year were at the beginning of the season, and he has not started (or shot particularly well) in the last three VCU games, so will likely not start against Rhody.
  • De'Riante Jenkins (6-5 195) sophomore guard from Eutaville, South Carolina. A monster in transition, Jenkins is currently averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Fully half his shots come from behind the 3-point line, where he shoots with 43% efficiency. Jenkins was the guy that hit that game-tying 3-pointer late in regulation to lead VCU to a 75-74 overtime win last Tuesday night in St. Louis.
  • Mike'l Simms (6-5 220) sophomore guard... Richmond native... played four years at Highland Springs High School, then did a prep year at Bull City Prep in Durham, North Carolina... played last year at Cowley Community College (Kansas), where he averaged 14 points and 4 rebounds per game... JUCO transfer recruited to VCU in June-2017 by Coach Rhoades... solid defender... tough as nails... rebounds well... currently averaging 6 ppg and 2.4 rpg for VCU.
  • Issac Vann (6-6 210) red-shirt sophomore forward from Bridgeport, Connecticut. A forward who can shoot the trey, Vann sat out last season as a transfer from Maine. This season, Vann is averaging 10 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. For the overtime victory at St Louis, Vann had 10 points and 3 assists.
  • Khris Lane (6-7 245) Fifth-year graduate student forward, originally from Richmond, Virginia, where he attended Benedictine High School. Transferred in to VCU last spring following his graduation from Longwood, which he led in scoring (17.1) and rebounding (7.3) last season (other schools looking at him last spring were Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, and Rhode Island). After starting at VCU for the first 15 games of this season, Lane was replaced in the starting lineup beginning with the 6-Jan-2018 game at La Salle. After getting single-digit minutes in each of the next 5 games, Lane had a 27-minute outing at Saint Louis a week ago Tuesday in which he had 10 points and four rebounds. Most recently, in the away game Saturday against in-state foe George Mason, Lane came off the bench to have his best game ever as a VCU Ram, scoring 25 points in 25 minutes on 11-for-13 shooting (almost all on layups and dunks) and adding 12 rebounds. He may or may not start against Rhode Island, but he will definitely be a presence.
  • Marcus Santos-Silva (6-7 255) freshman forward originally from Taunton, Massachusetts; he prepped at Vermont Academy and played AAU ball for BABC. Originally recruited by Will Wade to come to VCU, Santos-Silva chose to honor his commitment and is now playing for Coach Rhoades. A robust left-hander, he brings a strong physical presence. A good man-to-man post defender, but so-so on offense. In the rotation, but still just a freshman.
  • Justin Tillman (6-8 220) senior forward from Detroit, Michigan. A-10 Player of the Year candidate. Long and lanky, with neither the heft nor the strength of a traditional post player, Tillman is nevertheless the rebounding leader (9.6 rpg) and the scoring leader (18.2 ppg) for VCU. The cheeto-headed Tillman scored 19 points after halftime in the 75-74 overtime victory a week ago Tuesday in St. Louis, finishing with a game-high 25 points and team-high 12 rebounds. Most recently, in the George Mason game Saturday, Tillman, before fouling out, double-doubled racking 18 points and 11 rebounds, his eleventh double-double of the season. Energetic and relentless in his pursuit of rebounds, Tillman is sure to give the Rhody frontcourt fits at both ends of the court.
  • Sean Mobley (6-8 240) Freshman from Cocoa Beach, Forida, where he was a 4-star performer at Monteverde Academy. Originally recruited out of high school by Will Wade to come to VCU, Mobley honored his commitment even after Wade exited abruptly for LSU. Now a freshman for Coach Rhoades, Mobley has been part of the VCU rotation as a "stretch-4" since the first regular season game. He has been a starter for the last three games, and so will likely start Friday against Rhode Island. In his last outing, the road game against George Mason, he had 3 rebounds and 7 points (1-for-2 on treys and 4-for-4 from the charity stripe) in 18 minutes. Mobley can grab rebounds and can hit open threes. For the season, he is shooting the three at 37%; his inside-outside scoring ability may cause some problems for the Rhody defenders.
Members of the Virginia Commonwealth roster who have been used sparingly this season:
  • Tyler Maye (6-1 175) freshman guard from Farmville, North Cackalacky. An explosive point guard in high school, his rocket ship has not yet blasted off at VCU. Maye has seen courttime in all 22 VCU games this his freshman season, and is averaging about 8 minutes per game, but he remains largely on the wrong side of the rotational cut.
  • Dylan "Yay-Yay" Sheehy-Guiseppi (6-1 195) freshman guard from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The VCU website says he is from Arizona, but he went to high school in Upper Peninsula Michigan. Walk-on. Chasing his dream.
  • Marcus Evans (6-2 190) junior guard from the greater Norfolk, Virginia, area. Played two seasons for VCU Coach Mike Rhoades at Rice. Will sit out 2017-18 in accordance with NCAA transfer regulations and have two years of eligibility remaining.
  • Xavier Jackson (6-3 190) junior guard from Hinesville, Georgia. JUCO from Sheridan Junior College (Wyoming). At the start of the season, he was getting double-digit minutes per game; now in A-10 conference play, he is averaging a minute or so per game, when he does happen to get in.
  • Lewis Djonkam (6-9 245) freshman forward from Springfield, Virginia. Did a prep school year at Hargrave Military Academy. This season, his first at VCU, he has seen some playing time (3 or 4 minutes most games) but has not done much statistically, except perhaps to commit fouls. At this point, I am not sure whether anyone really knows what (if anything) Big Lew will do against Rhody on Friday night, but I would think that if he is in the game for longer than 4 minutes, it is most likely because Rhoades' squad is having big problems against the visiting league champions.

VCU, currently tied for second place in the Atlantic-10, has won its last three games (and nine of its last twelve games) as it heads into Friday’s showdown with Rhode Island, who is in first-place and is currently undefeated in conference play. The VCU team will be well-rested on Friday, as the past week has been their "bye" week. Coming off last Saturday's road victory over George Mason, the VCU team will be brimming with confidence and will be ready to battle in what for them is one of their biggest games of the season. As in all the A-10 games so far this season played by Rhode Island, VCU will be bringing their best game, thinking "hey -- why not us to be the giant slayer?"

Since his return to VCU as the head coach, Mike Rhoades has attempted to continue the pressing, trapping, high-octane "Havoc" approach that has been the calling card of VCU men's basketball since the beginning of the Shaka Smart era. However, there has been a recurring problem: the current VCU squad, though long and athletic, are not particularly quick. Full court defensive pressure is always susceptible to offensive ball movement, and this season, either due to lack of familiarity with the system or due to their own inherent lack of agility, the VCU players have ended up running what is basically a weak man-to-man press defense, kind of a Havoc-lite, that has not always worked well in every contest. The "HAVOC Lives Here" banner still hangs in the west end zone of the Siegel Center, but it now seems to be more brag than fact, merely a familiar slogan that maintains the VCU brand.

VCU has shown at times this season that it is capable of playing pretty well defensively, but just cannot seem to do so on a consistent basis. Perhaps it is because VCU does not yet have the proper players or perhaps it is because the players that they do have have not yet bought completely into the playbook, but whatever it is, it just is not there at 100% for 100% of the time. Further exacerbating VCU's defensive difficulties is the fact that, while Mike Rhoades is a good coach, his lack of adjustments made on defense has been questionable this season.

Actually, VCU’s up-tempo system would seem to favor the strengths found in Hurley's four guard attack plan, especially this season at least, as the current edition of VCU M-BB is just not as fast as the guys in Keaney Blue.

Justin Tillman and the other members of the VCU frontcourt are perhaps the pivotal pieces of the VCU puzzle. The team that owns the glass Friday night will strongly influence the other aspects of the contest, and so the bigman match-ups will be the game within the game. Given Rhody's paucity of talent in the post, Tillman and company pose particular problems for Rhody. Perhaps the best approach for Rhode Island may be for Hurley's kids to attack the middle of the VCU defense with the hope of getting the VCU bigs in foul trouble. On several occasions this season, the VCU on-court lineup was unable to stay cohesive (offensively or defensively) without their bigmen starters.

For the past 5 years, VCU has been one of the standard bearers in the A-10. It is now time for URI to assert its claim as the head of the pack. Friday will be the first time that the two teams have faced each other since last year’s A-10 tournament final (which by the way Rhode Island won 70-63). Only, now the game is at the "the Stu", VCU's home court, the emotional deck stacked in VCU's favor, the puerile rants of the VCU fanbase readied and set to create a bellicose environment in the Siegal Arena.


Look -- yes, I know, even with VCU having kind of a rebuilding year what with the new coach and the new players, playing VCU on the road is just not going to be a push-over game for Rhody, but ——— come on ——— what do you really think is going to be the end result in Richmond on Friday? Remember that old Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day ? For the fans of URI M-BB, Atlantic-10 Conference play is beginning to have a Groundhog Day feel to it: Rhody keeps winning conference games and winning conference games. Friday, on Groundhog Day, it will be VCU's turn to face the URI basketball program that Dan Hurley has created.


GO RHODY!
Last edited by Native 6 years ago, edited 17 times in total.
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ramster
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by ramster »

Native,

My biggest concern with VCU is what you said - rebounding. Berry/Langevine have averaged together only 5 rebounds in 40 combined minutes against Duquesne and UMASS. I'm very worried about Tillman rebounding and also scoring. He is a beast capable of explosive stats.
But I had not thought of your idea of attacking the middle and getting their key rebounders in early foul trouble. Good thought. I have seen Tillman rendered relatively ineffective in games this year due to foul problems

"Perhaps the best approach for Rhode Island may be for Hurley's kids to attack the middle of the VCU defense with the hope of getting the VCU bigs in foul trouble. On several occasions this season, the VCU on-court lineup was unable to stay cohesive (offensively or defensively) without their bigmen starters."

I saw Santos-Silva play quite a number of times with BABC and really liked his game. He is big, strong but also he scored a quite a few points in games I saw him - a surprising good touch for a guy his size - not quite Berry's hands but who does.

Promises to be a great game on National TV
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by TruePoint »

Just came here to say the same thing about rebounding - specifically defensive rebounding. Second chance points are always nice, but this team really doesn't depend on offensive rebounding that much. The problem I'm seeing is teams killing us with offensive rebounds and, even if the numbers aren't terrible, giving up extra possessions at inopportune times. UMass had two threes off second chances (one was actually a third chance) during their furious rally toward the end of the game.

UMass is not a very big, physical team - at least the half dozen scholarship players they played with tonight aren't. They grabbed almost as many boards off of their misses as we did - 13-12. Both teams shot well from the floor, so there just weren't as many rebounds to go around as you usually see, but that is concerning. Duquesne beat us up pretty bad on the boards at both ends. VCU is going to be tougher on the glass than either UMass or Duquesne.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by reef »

They have won 5 of 6 here in conf so we have out work cut out to win this road game should be a good one
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

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I believe that URI has lost all five games it has played at VCU. Never won there yet.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by adam914 »

Should be an interesting game. Tough place to play obviously, and they have been winning games of late, but their best win on the season (RPI wise) is Bucknell. Should be a fun one.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by PeterRamTime »

I expect VCU to give us everything they've got and then some.
They have been inconsistent, but in their two big games this year against Virginia and Texas, they were good.
Very aggressive and high energy with that raucous crowd.

This is probbaly a tougher game than the game at st Bonaventure will be.
They have some size and athletic size at that. Tillman could really tear us up. Especially on the boards.

We just have to really bring it. Unlike the last few games.
I know we won't get rattled if we get down, but it'll be harder to come back against VCU than Duquesne or UMass.
I would like to see us come out and impose our will early. It's been a while since we've started a game hot. Move on offense, pass the ball around, be aggressive.
Defending the three is going to be really important as well. Jenkins especially can start raining them.

This is going to be one helluva game and hopefully one helluva win that I will see live with my very own eyes surrounded by evil black and yellow Rams.

Let's get it.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by hrstrat57 »

Strong write up for a huge game.

The yellow and black Rams and their fans will be screaming for revenge. Probably equivalent to a 8-0 deficit at the tip.

Go Rhody
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Da_Process_Survivor »

need to clean up the effort/defense from the past few games or it'll be a long night. Can't win this one giving up 50% shooting
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Blue Man »

The thing that it feels like everyone is overlooking, is that we are every team's super bowl in conference this year. The one chance for a ranked win, beat the unbeaten, yada yada yada.

What I do like is that this isn't a game anyone can feel like we "should" walk through. @ perennial conference power VCU.

When Dan got off the plane last year post-Pittsburgh, he talked about running the conference now and taking that from VCU. This game will be HUGE inside the locker room. Chance to really stamp the "changing of the guard" label down in Richmond.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Obadiah »

This VCU game will be the first of five consecutive Friday night A-10 games to be televised nationally, mostly on ESPN2. Three will be home games ,and two on the road, this Friday versus VCU and the season finale at Davidson. How far this program has come under Hurley is just highlighted by the extent of national coverage. Go URI !!
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by adam914 »

Obadiah wrote:This VCU game will be the first of five consecutive Friday night A-10 games to be televised nationally, mostly on ESPN2. Three will be home games ,and two on the road, this Friday versus VCU and the season finale at Davidson. How far this program has come under Hurley is just highlighted by the extent of national coverage. Go URI !!
Was thinking this same thing last night. 4 of the last 8 games are on ESPN. Pretty awesome.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Seawrightspostgame »

I always lamented the southern shift in the conference. The lack of respect at the conference tournament from other fans. Like URI is an upstart program.

Please go down there and show VCU what URI is all about.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by ATPTourFan »

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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by ATPTourFan »

Nice when the A10 Flagship schedules their Black Out game vs the Rhody Rams.

http://vcuathletics.com/MBBpromos
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by ATPTourFan »

Sorry for consecutive posts... but here is more good recon from Richmond:

Sure, I'm so sure the VCU Rams are treating this like any other game. Yeah, right. Total bullshit.

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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by NJRhodyFan »

Reading some of the comments on the VCU message board is really getting me fired up. There were a small number of positive comments scattered throughout the 16-page thread, but mostly just arrogance and ignorance being displayed by their uninformed posters. Aside from several posters repeatedly referring to URI as 'RIU' and even 'RUI' (wtf?!), I also saw a few gems such as "Remember, you can't spell urine without URI" and also "These guys are frauds. It's our conference, let's take it back".

Most of their posters seem to be downplaying and dismissing our OOC schedule/success and attributing our current standing to a watered down A-10. They don't think we're worthy of our current top-25 ranking. While I agree that our conference is having a down year, it's foolish not to acknowledge what we've accomplished so far this season.

VCU and their obnoxious fans will find out on Friday night just how good we really are. They can shove their HAVOC defense up their ass. We won't be intimidated. Let's take it to them just like we did last year...twice! GO RHODY!!!
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by RF1 »

For Rhody fans, the Super Bowl is Sunday. For VCU fans, it is Friday night.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by steviep123 »

RF1 wrote:I believe that URI has lost all five games it has played at VCU. Never won there yet.
Sounds like another milestone for Hurley to overcome....
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by josephski »

NJRhodyFan wrote:Reading some of the comments on the VCU message board is really getting me fired up. There were a small number of positive comments scattered throughout the 16-page thread, but mostly just arrogance and ignorance being displayed by their uninformed posters. Aside from several posters repeatedly referring to URI as 'RIU' and even 'RUI' (wtf?!), I also saw a few gems such as "Remember, you can't spell urine without URI" and also "These guys are frauds. It's our conference, let's take it back".

Most of their posters seem to be downplaying and dismissing our OOC schedule/success and attributing our current standing to a watered down A-10. They don't think we're worthy of our current top-25 ranking. While I agree that our conference is having a down year, it's foolish not to acknowledge what we've accomplished so far this season.

VCU and their obnoxious fans will find out on Friday night just how good we really are. They can shove their HAVOC defense up their ass. We won't be intimidated. Let's take it to them just like we did last year...twice! GO RHODY!!!
VCU definitely has a pretty obnoxious fanbase, at least the fans who post online. Last year I noticed kind of the same thing, there were a lot of VCU fans rooting for us to not make the tournament even though they should want as many teams as possible from the a10 to make it. Doesn't surprise me that they're dismissing our play this year due to a watered down a10.

Also their forum is probably a good example of what happens when you have a larger fanbase on an online forum, going to have a lot of dumb opinions.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by adam914 »

If they attribute our undefeated record to a watered down A10, then what do they attribute their 3 losses to in this watered down A10?
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by bigappleram »

I sat right in the middle of a bunch of their fans in Pittsburgh and found them to be very cordial, complimentary of our team and nice people. I wouldn't take internet message boards as the barometer for the quality of their fan base. Either way, I'll be there in the Siegel wearing Keaney Blue and hoping I can walk out holding my head high. Go Rhody!
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by ramster »

I don't know but I read more about the watered down A10 on our own Board than anywhere else. I for one do not think it is near as watered down (if at all) as most believe.

We have some outstanding Freshman in this league. Teams are more balanced and there are not clear Top 3 as in years past which might keep us to only 1 or 2 NCAA Entries but there is a lot of depth spread in the teams.

Consider the OOC Schedule the A10 Played. Ranked the 2nd Toughest OOC Schedule. SEC had the Toughest. The much ballyhooed Big East the 7th Toughest

Sure we could have performed better with the OOC as a League but I applaud the tough scheduling by the A10 Overall in OOC - and you know most of those tough contests are on the road too.

Sorry, just tired of hearing our conference run down so often
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Ram1019 »

bigappleram wrote:I sat right in the middle of a bunch of their fans in Pittsburgh and found them to be very cordial, complimentary of our team and nice people. I wouldn't take internet message boards as the barometer for the quality of their fan base. Either way, I'll be there in the Siegel wearing Keaney Blue and hoping I can walk out holding my head high. Go Rhody!
I’ll concur. I was sitting by myself within a sea of yellow in my section. They were all pretty good to me and complimentary of our Rhody Rams. They were also fairly gracious losers.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Beachcomber »

I took a look at the VCU Board and wouldn't you know, the true enemy of URI and bane of our existence made an appearance: the "I grew up in RI, graduated from URI but root for PC guy":

Having watched every URI game on TV I have to agree with everything DiSanto says. That is the primary issue. Their guards are so good and there are four of them that you cannot expect all of them to be off and they can play really well on both ends. The lanky sophomore is the key as he gets everyone else involved better than the other guards. We MUST stay in front of their guards and not let them dribble drive past expecting help. That scenario will be murder. But we have the size and length to give them trouble and as DiSanto implied, if we can take care of the ball, avoid letting them get in transition (where they excel) and use our home court advantage it will be a great game. Contain the point guard, contain Terrell and be VCU with confidence and I like our chances. BTW I am from Rhode Island, graduated from URI in 1970 but was always a Providence College fan from a child and played with and against many of the Friars players in the late 60’s. URI is always trying to prove they are a better team than the Friars. This year they are! But we get them in the STU which I am hoping is the wild card.

As a wise man once said, I wouldn't piss on him if he were on fire. There has been some back and forth on this Board recently from younger URI fans not understanding the anger of older URI fan and alums. Well -- this guy and his ilk. That's why.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by NYGFan_Section208 »

Dooshes are everywhere, if they all made you angry, you'd never have any fun... Time to let it go?
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by RAM67 »

Never.
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reef
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by reef »

I am sure DH will use the we never won in this building for motivation
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by NYGFan_Section208 »

^ beginning to think the guy doesn't miss a trick, so probably...
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Seawrightspostgame »

I keep saying it but we have lots of room for growth. More so than others. EC putting more time between the knee Nd him. But more so the wrist. He’s been getting more active.

Jarvis was sick last year.

Berry has never started. His defense is way better.

Only guy in the top 8 not flourishing is Langevine. But he shows up when you need him. So things are looking good these days.

Also Dan has these guys really executing out of timeouts. And end of halves.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by PeterRamTime »

They really have no respect for us on that VCU board.

Since they are the "flagship" program...

Apparently they know that Hurley is going to bolt to some P5 school when the year is over since he's just like Shaka Smart... cause ya know we don't have money and all our good players are leaving.
We will be back to being irrelevant by next year...

That's what they're hoping.

Looks like they're scared to me. Wouldn't want Hurley to remain and continue to bring in top 40 recruiting classes.

The "flagship" program in the A-10.

Does Dayton know that VCU is the flagship program in the A-10?
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by theblueram »

When we beat VCU on Friday, they will be FIVE games out of first place.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Rhody74 »

Hope you guys are right but I’m really concerned about this game.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by theblueram »

Rhody74 wrote:Hope you guys are right but I’m really concerned about this game.
Did you have us losing this game in the preseason contest?
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by rambone 78 »

I think we could use a break.....and we'll get one after Friday.....to me this game is a 50-50 affair....

Play our A game, we win comfortably.
Play our B game, it's a close one.
Play C or worse, loss.

Which will it be?
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by theblueram »

Since we haven't seen an A game in awhile, I'll go with that one.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by Rhody74 »

theblueram wrote:
Rhody74 wrote:Hope you guys are right but I’m really concerned about this game.
Did you have us losing this game in the preseason contest?
Yes, but my worry is fatigue. The team looks tired and playing on the road again against an athletic team with a stud like Tilman will be tough.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by rambone 78 »

I don't know about physical fatigue....but maybe mental fatigue.

They are pressing a bit. I'm sure Dan knows what's up.

I'd sign for 6-2 the rest of the way....with both losses on the road most likely.

No easy ones the last 8 games.

Nobody likes a loss, but I'd trade a loss Friday night for a win against them in DC.....
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by theblueram »

This is the toughest stretch of our season. 4 road games out of 5. We are 4-0 in these games. Of course they are gassed. They just need to reach down for this last one, get a break and rest, then 2 games at home.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by duncanlamb »

VCU fan here. i am hoping for a great game down in Richmond. This game has some personal significance for me as my older brother is a Professor at URI. :D Family bragging rights at stake. Either way, it will be fun. Good Luck.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by theblueram »

duncanlamb I hope you guys have a sellout Friday. Jared Terrell loves playing in a hostile environment! I think we will be up for this game.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by RhodyRam86 »

rambone 78 wrote:I don't know about physical fatigue....but maybe mental fatigue.

They are pressing a bit. I'm sure Dan knows what's up.

I'd sign for 6-2 the rest of the way....with both losses on the road most likely.

No easy ones the last 8 games.

Nobody likes a loss, but I'd trade a loss Friday night for a win against them in DC.....

i know where you are coming from rambone, but as 5-3 the rest of the way would seem very unlikely and 6-2 would seem reasonable, i would certainly not sign for that. give me 7-1 including a win at the bonnies...that i would sign up for.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by RhowdyRam02 »

rambone 78 wrote:I don't know about physical fatigue....but maybe mental fatigue.

They are pressing a bit. I'm sure Dan knows what's up.

I'd sign for 6-2 the rest of the way....with both losses on the road most likely.

No easy ones the last 8 games.

Nobody likes a loss, but I'd trade a loss Friday night for a win against them in DC.....
6-2 the rest of the way and we end the regular season at 24-5, with an expected RPI in the 10-13 range and are outright A10 regular season champions
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by ramster »

Last post game Dan Hurley said they wanted to get Dowtin more control of the ball following what they saw vs Duquesne. He said he wouldn’t use the term selfish but he said we did not pass the ball well and we did not take good shots and had guys “hunting” for shots which didn’t work well.
So there you have Jeff getting 10 assists, could have been higher as some easy shots were missed following passes from Jeff. We shot a season best 61.2% and needed all of that 61.2% to beat UMASS.
The impressive thing is how Hurley and staff made adjustments

I would expect similar adjustments to address rebounding Friday night with rebounding.......

URI is averaging 33.4 rpg
Our worst rebounding games have been:
Virginia-22
Dayton-26
Duquesne-24
UMASS-22
So 3 of our worst rebounding games have come in the last 4 games we have played.......
Of Our 4 key rebounders EC and Langevine missed the Virginia game
Vs Dayton EC had 7, Stan 3 and Berry and Langevine only 1 apiece
Vs Duquesne EC, Stan and Langevine had 3 apiece and Berry had 2
Vs UMASS Stan had 5, Berry 4 with EC and Langevine only 1 apiece

The previous game vs UMASS our rebounds were double with 44 versus this past Tuesday night. Stan and Langevine each had 12, Berry 5 and EC 2

It would be nice to have a strong rebounding effort Friday night vs VCU

Lets finish this out at 26-3.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by RhodeIslandBred »

I third ...or fourth what others have said about rebounding on this board. I was at the Duquesne game and we got killed. UMASS was more of the same.
This is also a game where the seniors need to step up and make good decisions. 33 minutes through the Duquesne game and if I could count how many seniors settled for a stepback three (with time left on the clock) that won't get it done versus VCU. If we're going to win at their house we've got to take it to them and punch em in the mouth.

GO RHODY!
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by rambone 78 »

26-3 would be awesome. Are we capable of it? Yes. Will we do it?

Not imo.

Cracks are starting to show. And don't you think the coaches of our upcoming opponents haven't noticed it?

Not saying that Dan can't patch up those cracks. However there are no easy ones the rest of the way....will every game from here on out be a nailbiter?

Like I said, I'd take 6-2 all day.....if we do we're a lock for a 6-7 seed....

BTW....I agree with those who think Dowtin might be our most indispensable player...without him the offense would stagnate, and defensively it goes without saying.....
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by CTRamfan »

Fatigue.......No FG in last 6:56 against UMass. Hurley has been going to slowdowns early when we have the lead.

VCU game will be high energy for them. Can URI fight through it? I hope so.
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Re: 2/2 | VCU Rams | 7PM (ESPN2)

Unread post by ATPTourFan »




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