College Basketball 3/31/10 CBI Finals (Best of 3) VCU 1-0
Virginia Commonwealth Rams (26-9) (CAA)-Saint Louis Billikens (23-12) (A 10)
Game one of the CBI best of three went decisively to Virginia Commonwealth, 68-55 in a wire to wire win. The Rams controlled the pace and when you dictate tempo to the Billikens you're actually controlling the scoreboard as well. The big problem from an SLU stand point is that they shot the ball well enough but when involved in a faster game their 44% from the floor was woefully inadequate.
Saint Louis was one of the better teams in the A 10 but displayed none of those traits against their CAA counterparts. VCU held their own on the glass and shot the basketball effectively (48%) which were two things they needed to do coming in. The quick speed of the game enabled them to attack the basket before Saint Louis was able to get set on defense but the fact is the Rams were also able to score when in the half court which is the strength of the Billikens defense.
Ten minutes in it was apparent SLU was having trouble with the VCU quickness both in the paint and on the perimeter. More alarming is that a week of preparation did them little good and they couldn't adjust until halftime. The Billikens offense put their defense in too many tough spots through out with 16 turnovers and 12 steals and found themselves being pushed around.
Virginia Commonwealth looked like an A 10 squad with a 4-0 edge in blocked shots and an assortment of dunks and layups. When SLU defended the paint well, a kick out for an open three loosened things up as the Rams proved to be just as proficient from distance with a six of 14 mark. The Billikens lack of an inside game could be interpreted as a lack of aggressiveness as they attempted just two foul shots.
Rams offense: 76 ppg 15 apg 37 rpg 46%
Rams defense: 67 ppg 12 apg 35 rpg 43%
SLU offense: 63 ppg 13 apg 34 rpg 44%
SLU defense: 60 ppg 10 apg 36 rpg 40%
Saint Louis probably didn't expect to get pushed around but that's what happened, combined with their inability to stretch their defense to defend the outside shot. I have to blame the coaching staff to a large degree as the Billikens looked unprepared for what was a typical VCU game. The Rams have no need to change anything until SLU makes them as the only thing different will be the venue. That could be reason for concern with Saint Louis logging an 18-3 mark on their floor against some quality opponents. I'm looking for a much better effort this time around or this series won't see a game three.
Mark's Pick: Saint Louis +1.5
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