When Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond meet in men's basketball during the regular season, the game is a battle for city dominance. In theory, anyway.
A year ago, when both teams had veteran lineups filled with future professional players, that was the case.
This year, the battle is not so much for dominance because many of the players on both teams are freshmen and sophomores, just dipping their toes into this rivalry.
This year, the game is more an opportunity for each coach and player to learn as much about his team and himself as possible.
After their deep NCAA tournament runs last season — Richmond reached the Sweet 16, VCU advanced to the Final Four — both teams are works in progress.
Friday night at the Siegel Center, VCU made more progress, especially in the second half. The Rams won 73-51, pulling away on the strength of their defense and Rob Brandenburg-fueled offense.
In one stretch, Brandenburg, a sophomore, drove for a basket, then hit back-to-back jump shots.
On a team searching for backcourt firepower and leadership, Brandenburg stood out. He finished with 14 points after going scoreless in the first half.
Brandenburg learned not to give up on himself when he has a slow start.
"You have to keep playing, regardless of what happens on one play," Brandenburg said. "I have to stay aggressive and stay confident and loose."
VCU coach Shaka Smart's advice to Brandenburg was simple.
"Attack," Smart said he told Brandenburg.
The first-half star for VCU was Treveon Graham, a freshman guard. Graham had shown himself to be an aggressive offensive rebounder in the Rams' first eight games.
In the first half, Graham raised his game and became an aggressive offensive player. He drove to the basket with confidence and power and had seven first-half points.
He was scoreless in the second half.
Graham learned he has to finish what he starts.
However, the Rams learned they have players willing to pick up the slack.
"We're a resilient group of guys," Brandenburg said. "We play for each other. We're not selfish. We have no egos. We have one common goal and that's to help each other and help the team win."
When they watch the tape of this game, the Spiders will learn they have to take better care of the basketball after committing 17 turnovers. They will learn they have to do a better job of sharing the basketball after registering just five assists.
"I love my team," said Richmond coach Chris Mooney. "We have a chance to be very good and a chance to improve.
"It's a delicate balance. Darrius (Garrett) might be the most valuable defensive player in the country, but we had problems when he was throwing the ball away."
Garrett, Richmond's 6-foot-9 post player, blocked four shots but had seven turnovers.
The Spiders learned, as every team probably will this season, VCU's homecourt in the Siegel Center is a difficult place to play.
The Rams' fans long have been into the games, but after last year's success, VCU's fans are taking their enthusiasm to a higher level.
Friday night was the Rams' seventh consecutive sellout. Spurred on by a talented pep band, VCU supporters young and old are into the game.
When the pep band plays, fans stand and swing, sway and sing.
That energy carries over to the team.
"Their crowd is great," Mooney said. "They've got a great team to cheer for."
Last night was good for VCU and bad for Richmond.
What matters, though, is how well each team is playing several months from now.
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