VCU NOTES: Problems on defense

Problems on defense

In Anthony Grant's first 69 games as basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University, no opposing team scored more than 84 points. Only four teams scored 80 or more against the Rams.

In back-to-back losses, VCU has surrendered 92 and 93 points, alarming totals for a team whose staple is pressure defenses and traps and holding teams in the 50s and 60s.

East Carolina got plenty of point-blank shots and stickbacks in its 93-90 overtime victory Tuesday. The Pirates shot 63.3 percent in the second half and 50.7 percent overall. Rhode Island shot 61.5 percent in the second half and 54.1 percent overall in a 92-86 victory Saturday.

"I don't know if it's youth, or maybe just the talent level we're playing against," Grant said, "but that's two games in a row now that we haven't been able to defend and rebound the way we need to."

VCU (2-2) takes on New Mexico (3-2) tomorrow at 11 p.m. in the Cancun Challenge in Mexico.

Kearse sees action

Grant said Lance Kearse's back problem "comes and goes," but the 6-6 sophomore finally felt good enough to play against East Carolina.

Kearse played 22 minutes after not playing in the first three games. He was 1 of 3 shooting a 3-pointer late in the second half with two turnovers and one steal.

One of the turnovers came with the game tied with 49 seconds left in overtime. Kearse, at the foul line, attempted to dump a pass in the low post to Larry Sanders. The ball was stolen by East Carolina's Brock Young.

"Probably shouldn't have kept him on the floor as long as I did," Grant said. "Hopefully we can build his stamina back up where he needs to be."

Second-half surges

Eric Maynor's 35-point effort against East Carolina tied for 20th highest on VCU's single-game list. Charles Wilkins holds the record with 45 points against West Liberty State on Dec. 20. 1968.

Maynor had 27 points in the second half and overtime. All but two of those 27 came during a 13-minute stretch. Maynor scored 17 points (of 29) in the second half against South Dakota State. He had 19 (of 22) in the second half against Rhode Island.

Asked if the onus was on him to take over, Maynor said, "It's not on me, that's just in me. I'm trying to lead these guys as much as I can."

-- Tim Pearrell