VCU Athletics-Men's Basketball

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UPSET BID FALLS SHORT AS MISSISSIPPI TAKES 75-62 VICTORY
12-07-99
The Virginia Commonwealth men's basketball team put a scare into Mississippi with a well-played first half and kept the game close most of the way, but the Rams eventually fell by a final of 75-62 on Tuesday night at Smith Coliseum.

Virginia Commonwealth was led by junior guard Bo Jones (Richmond, Va.), who scored 15 points and tied a career high with four steals. The Rams got good production from their frontcourt as well, as sophomore forward Reggie Okosa (Claymont, Del.) had 12 points while freshman forward Josh Graham (Flemingsburg, Ky.) recorded his first career game in double digits with 10 points. Graham also had a team-high seven rebounds. The Rebels were led by Lataryl Williams, who hit 4-of-5 three points attempts on his way to 22 points.

Virginia Commonwealth came out strong to start the game, jumping out to a 10-2 lead. The Rams were able to maintain the lead for almost the entire first half, thanks in large part to Jones, who recorded eight points and had all four of his steals in the opening period. Mississippi would recover and cut into Virginia Commonwealth's advantage, but the Rebels did not take their first lead until Jason Holmes sank a three-pointer with just seconds remaining before halftime to put Mississippi up 30-28 at the break.

It was the last time the lead would change hands, as the Rebels would keep a safe distance from the Rams the rest of the game. Three quick baskets gave Mississippi a seven-point lead. The Rebels took a double-digit lead for the first time at the 10:22 mark of the second half and would keep it
there for most of the remainder of the contest, as Virginia Commonwealth never got closer than nine points the rest of the evening.

The Rams now stand at 3-3 on the season, while Mississippi is 7-1 overall. Virginia Commonwealth will conclude its current three-game road trip on Saturday, when the Rams travel to Bowling Green, Ky., to face Western Kentucky. That game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. EST.

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