I guess VCU will soon become a trending term. Virginia Commonwealth University might become America’s sweethearts since we have no true cinderella this march madness season, and America loves an underdog story.
It’s fitting that Purdue University’s initials are PU, given the way they played tonight. At least on the defensive end, where they surrendered 94 points to the Rams and lost 94-76 in a game that was even more lopsided than it sounds.
The Rams even won the dance team/cheerleaders battle, as one of their girls walked across the United Center court on her hands. That physical feat was more impressive than anything the Purdue Boilermakers accomplished when it came to guarding their opposition and contesting their shots.
Bradford Burgess led the Rams with 23 points on 8-12 shooting. He also had 8 rebounds to lead the team. Five other Rams reached double figures: Juvonte Reddic (12), Brandon Rozell (10) Ed Nixon (11), Joey Rodriguez (12), who also led the game with 11 assists.
JaJuan Johnson had another monster game, with 25 points and 14 boards. And Ryne Smith had a career night, scoring 20 on 7-9 shooting, 6-8 from distance.
Purdue was looking like a legitimate #2 seed until they suffered a horrible loss at Iowa, and then got blown out by the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Tournament.
VCU on the other hand, has looked like the most impressive college basketball team in march madness so far, blowing out all three of their opponents.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest webzine. He’s also a regular contributor to the Tribune’s Chicago Now network, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
He also does a regular guest spot each week for Chicagoland Sports Radio.com and Cleveland.com
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