Jan. 4, 2003
NORFOLK, VA. -- Virginia Commonwealth placed five players in double figures todefeat the Monarchs, 73-64. VCU is now 7-3 overall and 2-0 in the Colonial AthleticAssociation. ODU is 4-6 overall, and 1-1 in the CAA.
The Monarchs were led by its dynamic duo of Ricardo Marsh (Mebane, NC.) and RasheedWright (Greensboro, NC.). Marsh scored 13 points and hauled in a career high 14 rebounds, whileWright scored 16 points and had three steals. Richmond, VA., native John Wallerchipped in with 11 points and six rebounds. ODU shot .371 from the floor and outreboundedthe Rams 40-38.
The Rams broke out to a 16-point lead, 40-24 with 4:15 left in the first half thanksto .630 shooting (17-27) from the floor. Dominic Jones scored 11 and Willie Tayloradded ten during the first half. The Monarchs cut that lead to six by halftimeas Troy Nance (Va. Beach, VA.) hit two three pointers.
In the second half VCU built the lead up to nine at 53-44 with 14:31 left. ODU cutit to one at 52-53 on two Rasheed Wright free throws, then took the lead at 54-53 with 10:44left on a tip in by T.J. Waldon (Lakeland, FL.).
The Rams built the lead back to ten at 64-54 with 7:44 left, but ODU cut it to four(67-61) with 3:36 remaining in the game on a layup by Ricardo Marsh (Mebane, NC.).The Rams held on for victory as Antoine Willie hit four free throws and Dominic Joneshit two free throws.
Dominic Jones led VCU with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Emanueal Mathis scored 14,Troy Godwin 12, Willie Taylor and Antoine Willie added ten points each. The Rams finishedthe night shooting .491 (27-55) from the floor.
The Monarchs hit the road on Wednesday to take on defending CAA Champion UNC Wilmingtonat 7 p.m. in Trask Coliseum.