The Bearcats travelled to Richmond, Virginia and got a huge road victory against the VCU Rams. UC edged VCU by six points, 69-63. Virginia native Troy Caupain scored 15 points, and helped UC navigate VCU’s pressure defense. Farad Cobb also added 15 points, and sank a clutch three point basket to all but put the Rams away in the second half.
In this game, the trigger-happy Bearcats only shot 15 threes, making just 5 of them. Recall that UC launched 24 threes against Xavier in a losing effort.
UC’s backcourt of Caupain and Cobb carried them Saturday as senior big man Octavius Ellis struggled to get going. Gary Clark played strong for the Bearcats, scoring 13 much needed points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
While VCU may be having a down year at 5-5, it is never easy to sneak out of Richmond with a win. VCU has developed a strong basketball following of late, no doubt a consequence of former head coach Shaka Smart’s coaching, recruiting, and personality.
The Bearcats will face a real test Tuesday night as Iowa State travels to Clifton. Iowa State was ranked as high as #2 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll, prior to dropping a disappointing loss to Northern Iowa. UC should expect that the Cyclones will be eager to put that loss behind them when they enter Fifth Third Arena.
By Brian Fox