RAMS IMPROVE TO 4-0 IN CAA WITH 64-44 WIN OVER NORTHEASTERN
1-8-07
boxscore

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University forced 18 turnovers and held Northeastern University to just 15 second-half points as the Rams claimed a 64-44 Colonial Athletic Association victory Monday night at the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

VCU (12-3, 4-0) started the game with a quick 6-0 lead but Northeastern (3-12, 1-3) would score the next five points to pull within one at 6-5.  The Rams held a seven-point advantage twice (19-12 and 21-14) during the first half following a 15-9 run with 10:03 to go.  The Huskies answered VCU’s run as they tied the score at 25-25 on a free throw by senior forward Bennet Davis (Freeport, Bahamas/Milford Academy) with 3:02 remaining, and again at 27-27 on a free throw by freshman guard Matt Janning (Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) with 2:07 to go in the opening period.  After trading baskets in the final minute, the Rams took a 31-29 lead into the locker room.

VCU used a 22-7 run through the first 14 minutes of the second half to push their lead to 17 points at 53-36 on a jumper by senior guard Jesse Pellot-Rosa (Richmond, Va./George Wythe) with 6:12 remaining.  The Rams would extend their lead to 20 points, the largest of the game, with a three-pointer from freshman forward Franck Ndongo (Cameroon, Africa/Montverde Academy) with 36.4 seconds to go.  After shooting 50.0% (11-22) from the floor in the first half, Northeastern shot just 22.2% (4-18) in the second half.

The Rams had three players in double figures, led by Pellot-Rosa’s 13-point outing.  Senior guard B.A. Walker (Onancock, Va./Nandua) and sophomore guard Eric Maynor (Fayetteville, N.C./Westover) each scored 10 points for VCU.  Junior forward Wil Fameni (Duoala, Cameroon/Amelia Academy) added nine points and 10 rebounds for the Black and Gold.

Northeastern was led by Davis’ 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Monday’s victory marks the first time VCU has started CAA-play a perfect 4-0 since becoming a member of the conference in the 1995-96 season.

VCU, under the direction of first-year head coach Anthony Grant, return to CAA action on Wednesday, Jan. 10, with a 7 p.m. contest at William & Mary.