Insta-Analysis: VCU 53 Georgia State 55

Quinn Casteel
Assistant Sports Editor
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ANALYSIS

Hunter’s defensive schemes stymie Havoc

Georgia State head coach Ron Hunter switched from a 2-3 zone to 1-3-1 late in the first half, which kept VCU’s offense off-balance. The Rams’ point guards and perimeter shooters couldn’t find synergy and couldn’t work open shots for the bulk of the game. GSU’s ability to protect the ball and slow the game down when they were in possession limited the fast breaks and points off turnovers that VCU has been so hungry for all season. On Wednesday though, they only forced 13 Panther turnovers.

Burgess struggles mightily

Bradford Burgess had his second historically poor shooting performance of the season, going 1-15 from the field. He also had an 0-12 night against St. Francis earlier this season, in a game where he only recorded two points but the Rams still managed to win. On Wednesday, though, he scored five which made for the second game in a row in which he failed to reach double figures. Burgess, along with the rest of the VCU shooters, was out-of-rhythm and usually just not open. He settled for long three-point attempts and jumpers both too early and too late in the shot clock. However for Burgess, one of the steadiest performers in school history, prompt recovery is a strong expectation.

Smart sticks with his top eight

Shaka Smart used just eight players against Georgia State, which is not unusual, but he has been adamant recently about getting more guys playing time. That being the case, though, it is a lot easier to think about playing time when you no longer have to worry about winning the game. The eight players to see the floor Wednesday night were the ones who have played the most all year (Theus, Burgess, Brandenberg, Weber, Reddic, Haley, Daniels and Graham), but Smart has been savvy when it comes to getting a spark from a cameo appearance by a bench player. It was surprising to see he didn’t look for some enforcement from another big body like Heath Houston.

The streak ends here

For VCU, it was a humbling night as they lost for the first time at home this season and also saw an 8-game win streak come to an end. Georgia State. captured its 11th consecutive win and is now the first team in the CAA to reach 3-0. The Rams, in what was their worst shooting performance since 1999, are now 2-1 in the conference.