Old Dominion (8-0) at VCU (9-1)
Game Info – Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m.
Location – Siegel Center (Richmond, Va.)
Watch – ESPN+
Listen – Priority Auto Sports Radio 94.1
Live Stats – Click Here
Social Media – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
NORFOLK, Va. – After a 10-day break, the Old Dominion women's basketball team returns to action this Sunday as the Monarchs travel to Richmond for a 1 p.m. meeting with VCU at the Siegel Center.
Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ or hear Matthew Hatfield and Shonda Deberry on Priority Auto Sports Radio 94.1. Live stats will also be available.
The Series
ODU owns a 61-19 lead in the all-time series, though the Monarchs are looking for their first road win against VCU since the Monarchs bested the Rams 67-65 on Feb. 28, 2010 when the two programs were members of the CAA. Jessica Canady eclipsed 1,000 career points as the Monarchs secured the conference's regular season title.
VCU made the trip to Norfolk on Dec. 8 last year, a game that went to the Monarchs 61-44. Old Dominion outscored the visitors 26-4 in the third quarter after trailing 27-25 at halftime. Amari Young led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds and five steals.
About ODU
The Monarchs (8-0) jumped up two spots to No. 10 in this week's CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll after picking up a 57-53 win at Delaware on Dec. 7. ODU also comes into Sunday listed 101st in the NET rankings through games played on Dec. 15.
Old Dominion is just one of 17 teams that are still undefeated and currently leads the nation in scoring defense (46.1 ppg) and three-point percentage defense (.186). The Monarchs are also fourth in the country in field goal percentage defense (.321) and 24th in steals per game (11.8). The team owns a +14.8 scoring margin and a +8.2 rebounding margin. ODU is shooting a combined .350 from the field, .285 from long range, and .671 at the free-throw line.
En'Dya Buford is averaging 11.3 points to pace the offense. Following her are Jordan McLaughlin (9.3 ppg) and Kaye Clark (8.8 ppg). Buford and Mimi McCollister (5.6 ppg) have combined to make 21 three-pointers while Simone Cunningham (4.9 ppg) is grabbing 8.3 rebounds per game. Clark's 27 steals rank 33rd nationally, and she's also eighth with 3.38 steals per game. Cunningham has blocked a team-high nine shots and Lanetta Williams is next with six blocks.
Head coach DeLisha Milton-Jones is one win away from No. 100 for her career. She is currently 99-65 (.604) overall and 67-33 (.670) in her time at ODU.
About VCU
The Rams are off to a 9-1 start to the season with their only loss a 78-65 setback at James Madison on Nov. 19. VCU has since won six in a row and is also coming off a win over Delaware: the two teams met on Dec. 11 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, with VCU coming away with a 64-55 decision.
The latest NET rankings have the Rams listed 81st. Like ODU, VCU also has one of the stingiest defenses in the country. The team is currently fifth in the nation in three-point percentage defense (.215) and seventh in scoring defense (50.5 ppg). VCU ranks 13th in rebounding margin (+13.1) and 27th in field goal percentage defense (.346). As a team, the Rams are shooting .397 from the floor, including .315 from the perimeter, and .750 at the line.
VCU has three players averaging double figures: Sarah Te-Biasu leads the team with 13.7 ppg, Timaya Lewis-Eutsey is next at 12.5 ppg and Mary-Anna Asare is third with 12.2 ppg. Te-Biasu and Asare are the two threats from distance with 19 and 15 made three-pointers, respectively. On the glass, Mykel Parham (4.9 ppg) is pulling down 8.7 boards a game. The trio of Te-Biasu, Lewis-Eutsey and Asare have combined for 42 steals, and Parham is the team's leader in blocks with eight.
Head coach Beth O'Boyle is in her 10th season leading the Rams. VCU was picked to finish 10th in the Atlantic 10's Preseason Coaches' Poll with Te-Biasu named to the Preseason All-A10 Second Team.
Up Next
ODU is back in Norfolk this Wednesday when the Monarchs will host No. 3 NC State in the Anne Donovan Classic. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start at Chartway Arena.
Monarchs and Rams Square Off in Richmond on Sunday
