A-10 GAME ONE PREVIEW: VCU vs. UMASS
Matchup: VCU (22-9) vs. UMASS (14-17)
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Here’s what to watch for:
The Rams and Minutemen met only once this season, resulting in a 67-62 upset victory for UMASS. This game features a backcourt dual that could possibly lead to a high scoring affair.
The Minutemen are led by guards Trey Davis (6-foot) and Dante Clark (6-foot-4). The duo torched the Rams during the Feb. 11 loss, as Davis accounted for 18 points and Clark for 22.
In that matchup, senior Melvin Johnson was cold for the Rams, only shooting 5-15 from the floor to total 13 points on the evening. Senior Korey Billbury and junior Jequan Lewis led VCU with 15 points apiece.
The minutemen were able to hold off a struggling VCU offense, by going 10-17 from downtown. VCU in return, mustered a mere 5-20.
Marquee Matchup:
Johnson, a recently selected first team All Atlantic-10 pick, will be the key to VCU’s success. The Bronx native returns to his home state to embark on his second straight A-10 Tournament Championship.
Standing in his way however, is lethal scorer Trey Davis.
Davis scored 20 points in the first round win against Rhode Island last night. His crafty game earns him trips to the free throw line where he connected on all 10 of his opportunities against RHU. The senior is averaging 18.7 per contest for UMASS this season.
If Davis gets going early, Johnson will have to perform better then his previous performance against the Minutemen.
Sports Editor, Bryant Drayton
Bryant is a sports advocate who’s always smiling. He is a senior print and online journalism major aspiring for a career as a professional or college football columnist. Bryant currently covers high school football games for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. // Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
draytonbo@commonwealthtimes.org
