Rams’ main focus: defensive intensity

-- Practice really wasn't any different at Virginia Commonwealth University after it lost to Delaware five days ago.

But it was clear to the Rams, through talks with coach Anthony Grant, that some things needed to change.

"We knew he was frustrated," sophomore guard Joey Rodriguez said. "We could see it in him. He just hates losing, and he wants us to feel like he does."

Grant always is demanding, but he and his staff were more fiery than usual on the sideline during Monday's game against UNC Wilmington. Grant stayed on his players until the end, even though it essentially was over in the first half.

VCU mimicked that with an intense effort on both ends of the floor in an 88-59 victory over the outmanned Seahawks.

But the Rams know that can't be a one-time or even a sometimes event if they intend to claim a third consecutive regular-season Colonial Athletic Association title.

"This is a big point in the season for us," said Rodriguez, as VCU (2-1, 9-5) goes into another CAA game tonight at 7 o'clock at Drexel (1-2, 5-7). "We've got to do it on a nightly basis."

Grant has harped about his team's need to eliminate lulls on the defensive end. That wasn't the case Monday.

The Rams flew around consistently, making the Seahawks jack up some difficult shots when they weren't turning the ball over, which they did 20 times. Rodriguez said part of the difference was calling out screens and switches and showing more urgency hawking shooters.

"Even the [big men] were talking, aware, helping each other out," he said. "It was awesome."

Early returns in the CAA indicate that there will be a lot of close games and few breathers. Drexel had won three consecutive games before losing a late lead and falling at James Madison on Monday.

Defensive consistency by the Rams could be one of the factors tonight and in the future. The Dragons have had trouble scoring (61.5 points). They are allowing 66.1 points, which includes drubbings by Georgetown (81-53) and Memphis (87-49).

"For us, this is just the beginning," Rams sophomore forward Larry Sanders said. "This is how we have to play the rest of the season, the rest of our careers. We just have to keep the intensity up."

Note: VCU's game against George Mason on Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Siegel Center will be televised by ESPN2. It is the only regular-season meeting between the conference contenders.