Virginia Commonwealth (11/8/19)

[CMJ]

On the road at a Top 25 opponent.  

 

[Mean Green Matt]

Game is on ESPN+. 

[Eagle71]

We could have our hands full with their big guy #14 Marcus Santos-Silva - 6'7"  250lbs 

His line for their first game was:  30 min    21 points (72.7%)   18 reb   3 ast   3 stl

He is described as "Tenacious rebounder, skilled passer, solid footwork, left-handed"

"Played soccer and tennis in HS"

Whoa! 6'7" soccer/tennis players bother me!

[CMJ]

I'll be unable to tune in because of a family commitment.  Kinda sucks, was looking forward to this one.  I hope we make a good showing of ourselves - it's gonna be a tough game.

[UNT Texas Hooligan]

Good test nice and early in the season. Slightly worried about our offensive struggles last game but this team definitely has the fire power to compete. Cautiously optimistic about the outcome. 

[BillySee58]

I believe this is our first game against a top 25 opponent under Mccasland

[Harry]

VCU Men's Basketball Preview: Rhoades’ Army is Prepared 

The Virginia Commonwealth University’s men’s basketball team began the new season ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press’ Top 25 poll. The Rams are also widely viewed as the team to beat in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

So expectations for this year’s Rams team are high. While that can be seen as a measure of validation for the program, it also means there is more pressure on Head Coach Mike Rhoades and his players, who are looking at a tough pre-Atlantic 10 schedule.

Schedule-wise, four noteworthy tests are coming during November and December: Louisiana St. (AP No. 22) at home on Nov. 13; Purdue (AP No. 23) at a holiday tournament in Niceville, Fla., on Nov. 29 and either Florida St. or Tennessee (both have received a lot of votes in the AP poll) in Niceville on Nov. 30; at Wichita St. on Dec. 21, you can go here to see VCU’s entire 2019/20 schedule.

read more:  https://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/vcu-mens-basketball-preview-rhoades-army-is-prepared/Content?oid=15275794

 

 

[jdennis82]

Excited to see our guys face down what is a very good opponent - especially on their home floor.

Under Mike Rhodes, VCU is 17-1 as a home favorite since 2018 (per TeamRankings.com).  The lone loss came on 1/17/18 against cross-town rival Richmond.

In short, the Rams are due for an upset!

 

[bstnsportsfan3]

5-5 at the first media timeout

[Jonnyeagle]

Impressive so far.  Bell is a beast on the boards.  It’s going to take me a few games to get used to so many new faces.  Very different team in a lot of respects.

[RiseUNT]

Even if we lose this game by 30 we are better than we were last year.

[bstnsportsfan3]

NT up 19-14 at the 8:37 mark

[bstnsportsfan3]

VCU goes on a 13-0 run...

 

VCU 24-19 at the 5:38 mark

Edited November 9, 2019 by bstnsportsfan3

[Mean Green Matt]

Get up by 8. Forget how to play basketball. Frustrating. 

[RiseUNT]

1 minute ago, Mean Green Matt said:

Get up by 8. Forget how to play basketball. Frustrating. 

Their defense is one of the best in nation. This is a tough early road game for a team that hasn't played together.

[UNT Texas Hooligan]

Started fast and strong then the wheels came off. I will say I'm excited for what this team can do as they continue to build up chemistry. We're still in this against a really good team 

[GrandGreen]

Playing like they are afraid to shoot.  The game plan was obviously to slow the game to a crawl, but that only works if you can control the turnovers.  

Now they are in trouble, going have to play more aggressive offense.  

[UNT Texas Hooligan]

We need to quit turning the ball over and trying to force low percentage shots

[Jonnyeagle]

They miss Ryan?

[Andrew]

21 minutes ago, Jonnyeagle said:

They miss Ryan?

Massively! We look great but he would have pushed us over the top. Replace our freshman with him and replace someone (even Alcindor) with a legit banging big and we are dangerous. 

Edited November 9, 2019 by Andrew

[Jonnyeagle]

Holy shit!  1 point game!  Is anyone watching this shit!

[bstnsportsfan3]

NT within 1 42-41

[Andrew]

Let’s also consider Smart is out. If he plays to his Sophomore standards that adds even more offense and spreading the floor. 
 

I am surprised Jackson, Wise, and Muhammad have really contributed much this (early) season. 

[bstnsportsfan3]

Just now, Jonnyeagle said:

Holy shit!  1 point game!  Is anyone watching this shit!

yes

[Andrew]

Just now, Jonnyeagle said:

Holy shit!  1 point game!  Is anyone watching this shit!

Is there a game tonight?