Hokies Send Rams To Second Straight Loss
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
They're only two games into the season, but the URI Rams are struggling to put the ball in the basket.
After connecting on just 28% (15-53) of their field goal attempts in their opening night loss to Norfolk State, Rhode Island managed to hit only 34% (20-59) from the field in Blacksburg Monday night. As a result, the Rams fell to Virginia Tech 69-50.
URI struggled mightily from beyond the arc shooting just 5% (1-21) from three point land. They also struggled at the free throw line again shooting 56% (9-16).
The game was close for most of the first half until the Hokies ended the half on an 8-0 run to take a 36-24 lead at the break. They would never be threatened from that point on as Rhody could only manage to pull to within 11 in the second half.
Junior college transfer and former St. Benedict's (NJ) star Xavier Munford led the Rams with a career-best 24 points despite going just (1-9) from three point range. Inside the arc, Munford went (10-13). Andre Malone's 7 points were the second most scored by any URI player.
The Hokies were paced by Erick Green's 25 points.
With the win, Virginia Tech improved to (2-0) on the season while Rhode Island fell to (0-2).
It doesn't get any easier for the Rams who will face their stiffest test of the season on Saturday when they play the 4th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at the Mohegan Sun Arena at 5pm.
Comments:
Rod Carri
4:09pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Munford is a big time scorer. He can shoot, drive, pass, handle and defend.We're seeing why he was a All American in juco.
He needs help. Nik was bottled up all night, by more athletic payers, and couldn't find his shot.
With no inside games, opponents can extend the perimeter and stop the outside shots.
Rugged schedule until mid December.
Team hustles and plays good defense. Just can't hit the ocean with a beachball, so far.
Scott Cordischi
8:46pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Rod:
Great assessment. They will have an inside presence next year but, lacking one this year makes them much easier to defend. However, if a team extends its man-to-man defense out on your shooters, you need to find ways to keep them honest. Back door cuts (a la the Princeton offense) are one way to do that.