ODU vs. VCU: A battle of the banged and battered

Health and depth could -- and likely will -- play decisive roles in today's key CAA women's basketball showdown between Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion.

Both clubs are hobbling, which is "not surprising," said Rams coach Beth Cunningham. "It's that time of year."

Injury and attrition have pared ODU's active roster to eight, only seven of whom are close to 100 percent. VCU has issues of its own. The Rams are paying close attention to several players -- none more so than senior guard/ forward Kita Waller. Concern over a troublesome lower-back condition limited Waller to only a few seconds in Thursday's victory over William and Mary.

Cunningham said the decision to give Waller (9.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg) the equivalent of a night off against the Tribe was based primarily upon prudence.

"To be honest, we're being pretty cautious with her," Cunningham said. "She probably could have played, but our feeling was, if we can get by without her, let's try. If we send her out there before she's ready and she gets hit or takes an awkward fall, then she might miss significant time."

Cunningham said that "hopefully, by not playing her [against William and Mary] she'll be 100 percent, or close to it [today]. But I'd say it's still a day-by-day situation."

Waller's contributions notwithstanding, forward is a position at which VCU (6-2, 16-4) is deep. Junior D'Andra Moss started against the Tribe. She scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Courtney Hurt, a 6-0 freshman, scored six points and collected 10 rebounds in only nine minutes.

Hurt was one of the most prolific rebounders in Georgia high school basketball each of the past two seasons. Her adjustment to college competition has delighted the VCU coaching staff.

"She's been outstanding," Cunningham said. "Since Christmas, things have really been clicking for her. She brings an energy and a confidence, and she consistently has been somebody who produces for us."

ODU's situation is far worse. Yes, the 17-time CAA champions (6-2, 11-7) are tied for first place with VCU and James Madison. But ODU has lost two consecutive in league play for the first time in six years. The Lady Monarchs' most recent injuries may be their most significant.

Starting point guard Jazzmin Walters suffered a broken left fibula in last Sunday's loss to James Madison. She will miss at least a month. Backup point guard Jasmine Parker sustained what appeared to be a sprained knee in Thursday's loss at Georgia State. Her availability for today's game is uncertain.