VCU CAN’T CONTAIN #25 JAMES MADISON, 76-63
2-8-07
Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University junior forward Krystal Vaughn (Baltimore, Md./Lake Clifton-Eastern) provided one of the few bright spots for the Rams with 17 points and six rebounds in a 76-63 loss to No. 25 (AP) James Madison Thursday at the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

VCU drops to 11-11 overall and 4-8 in the Colonial Athletic Association. James Madison has won 13 straight and improves to 21-2 overall. The Dukes maintain their hold on sole first place in the CAA, raising their league mark to 12-0.

JMU senior center Meredith Alexis, the CAA’s leading rebounder and second leading scorer, recorded her 57 th career double-double with game-highs of 26 points and 13 boards. Junior Tamera Young kicked in 21 points, while senior point guard Andrea Benvenuto handed out a career-high 14 assists for James Madison.

Vaughn was one of four VCU players in double figures. Senior guard Michele Cosel (Mechanicsville, Va./Atlee) tossed in 11 points, including three 3-point field goals and junior guard LaKea Jones (Fort Washington, Md./ National Christian Academy) dished out eight assists.

The Dukes took command in the first half, shooting 56 percent (18-of-32) and took a 41-23 advantage into the locker room. JMU shot 49 percent (34-of-70) for the game.

VCU was within five points, at 22-17 with 6:20 left in the first half, but saw the Dukes blow the game open with a 14-1 salvo that pushed the lead to 36-18. Alexis had six points to spark the run.

The Rams return to action on Sunday, Feb. 11 when they head to Drexel for a CAA battle in Philadelphia at 2 p.m.