Scouting Report: VCU vs. Saint Joseph’s

VCU men’s basketball will face Saint Joseph’s University at the Siegel Center on Wednesday, Feb. 25. 

The CT Sports staff chose their notable players for this upcoming matchup.

VCU

Bersabeh Kemaw, Staff Writer

Toibu “Tobi” Lawal – The six-foot-eight-inch second-year forward has been a key player for the Rams this season. He’s currently averaging 7.3 points and leads the team in rebounds with 5.7 rebounds, according to ESPN. Lawal is a threat on the court because of his ability to play on both sides of the ball with high intensity and dominance. He is 68.5% from the field goal, so the Hawks will have to make sure their defense is locked down. His leaping abilities help him both offensively, to make dunks and shots, and defensively, with blocking and guarding the rim. Due to Lawal’s length and height, he does find himself in foul trouble, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for him.

Hayden Braun, Contributing Writer

Christian Fermin- The six-foot-ten starting forward is a player to watch in this upcoming match-up between VCU and the Saint Joseph’s Hawks. Fermin is currently leading the team on blocks per game and the season, at 1.6 per game and 40 on the season, according to ESPN. His size has definitely contributed to his play defensively. He is top five on the team in every rebound statistic, and leads in offensive rebounds at 54 this season, according to ESPN. Fermin has been a key piece to VCU’s success this season on both sides of the ball. VCU is going to need more great performances by Fermin ahead of this matchup against the Saint Joseph’s Hawks. The Hawks are currently 8th in the A-10 and top three overall in offensive points scored at 76.7 this season, according the A-10.

Saint Joseph’s

Thailon Wilson, Sports Editor 

Erik Reynolds II –  The third-year six-foot-two-inch guard is someone to watch out for in the game against the black and gold. Erik Reynolds II averages 16.4 points per game, 41.8% from the field, 39.1% from three and 88.2% from the free throw line, according to ESPN. Reynolds’ ability to score on all three levels and convert at the stripe will be crucial for the Hawks’ ability to win this game. His ability to create shots, dribble past smaller defenders and finish over bigs will be important. Reynolds is the Hawks’ No. 1 scoring option and his scoring will be necessary for a Saint Joseph’s win.

Jenny Allen, Contributing Writer

Rasheer Fleming – The second-year six-foot-nine-inch forward Rasheer Fleming is taking control of the boards for the Hawks’ team this season. Fleming leads the Hawks in rebounding, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game, 4.8 defensively and 2.5 offensively, according to ESPN. Fleming is a solid link for the Hawks defense, and will have the opportunity to take advantage of the foul trouble that VCU’s bigs tend to encounter. Fleming also leads the team with blocks, averaging 1.5 per game, according to ESPN. The Hawks will rely on Fleming and his ability to get possession of the ball in order to defeat the Rams.