Post by RUFresh on Jan 21, 2009 15:21:07 GMT -5
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VMI (14-3, 6-1) @ Radford (9-9, 6-1)
Time: 7 pm
Radio: 100.7 FM
TV: None
Live Video Feed: Link
Live Stats: Link
Listen online: RU | VMI
Website: RU | VMI
Game Notes: RU | VMI
GameDay Thread: RU | VMI
Projected Starters
VMI | Position | Radford |
Chavis Holmes (6'4 - 21.6 ppg) | Guard | Amir Johnson (5'9/193 - 9.1 ppg, 5.1 apg |
Austin Kenon (5'11 - 17.9 ppg) | Guard | Kenny Thomas (6'3/182 - 13.4 ppg, 39% 3-pt fg) |
Travis Holmes (6'4 - 18.9 ppg) | G/F | Phillip Martin (6'6/190 - 3 ppg) |
Ron Burks (6'4 - 4.5 ppg) | Forward | Joey Lynch-Flohr (6'8/221 - 13.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg) |
Willie Bell (6'6 - 9.4 ppg) | F/C | Art Parakhouski (6'11/260 - 14.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg) |
Battle of the Big South's best. Two in-state rivals featuring two different styles of play, with sole possession of first place on the line. Oh, not to make this game any bigger than it already is, but tonight's match-up also marks the re-opening of the Dedmon Center.
VMI stormed out of the gates, defeating Kentucky in Rupp Arena by 8 points. If you haven't seen their style of play, get ready for a frantic 40 minutes of basketball. The Keydets average 95.7 points per game, best in the nation. When they force turnovers from their opponents and are hitting their deep shots, they are tough to stop. The Holmes brothers, who are scheduled to appear on ESPN's First Take tomorrow (their website lists information on the scheduled appearance, and only mentions Radford in one line ... that's some bulletin board material there ), are two versatile guards.
The good news is, Radford has had much success against them in recent years. The Highlanders won the last three meetings in the series and five of the last six.
While Radford may not be able to completely slow down the tempo, the Highs do have enough athletes to keep pace. Their post game has been giving opposing squads fits, left and right.
RU has been just as hot as the Keydets, if not hotter, and when they dictate the tempo of the game it can get ugly for opposing teams. This is one of the biggest games for Radford in recent memory. With a return to the Dedmon Center, first place on the line and all the buzz surrounding the program right now, I have a good feeling about tonight.
Prediction
Radford 83
VMI 78