BALANCED VCU DOMINATES WILLIAM & MARY, 76-54
2-7-09
Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – Guards Eric Maynor (Raeford, N.C.) and Joey Rodriguez (Oviedo, Fla.) combined for 24 points and 12 assists to spark balanced Virginia Commonwealth University past William & Mary, 76-54, Saturday before a Homecoming crowd of 7,583 at the Siegel Center.

The Rams maintain their hold on second place in the Colonial Athletic Association and improve to 17-7 overall and 10-3 in the league. William and Mary sinks to 7-16 on the year and 2-11 in the CAA.

Maynor, honored prior to tip-off for becoming VCU’s career assists leader, handed out seven Saturday as the Rams shot 55 percent (26-of-47) from the floor. He also scored 13 points. Rodriguez scored 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, and dished out five helpers. Sophomore Larry Sanders (Fort Pierce, Fla.) chipped in with 13 points for VCU, which had seven players score at least seven.

For VCU, which was coming off an 81-72 loss to UNC Wilmington on Wednesday, Saturday’s win was a shot in the arm.

“I think there was a redemptive spirit all week, in terms of coming out and playing to our identity,” Commented Rams’ Head Coach Anthony Grant. “But whether you win or lose, it’s one game. You’ve got to move on, and I think our guys did that. I don’t think there were any lingering thoughts or lingering effects. We knew what we had to do.”

David Schneider led the Tribe with 11 points. William & Mary shot 38 percent (19-of-50) from the field, including 27 percent (6-of-22) from 3-point range. VCU also forced 19 turnovers, which resulted in 25 points.

The Rams return to the floor on Wednesday, Feb. 11 when they host James Madison at the Siegel Center at 7:30 p.m.