Virginia Commonwealth roars to 26-point halftime lead, routs Florida Gulf Coast 80-57
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Virginia Commonwealth used a huge rebounding advantage to take a 26-point halftime lead, then coasted to an 80-57 victory over Florida Gulf Coast Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
The Rams had a 42-26 rebounding edge. Their 21 offensive boards were five shy of Florida Gulf Coast's total rebounds.
Eight VCU players scored in the first half for a 46-20 lead. Juvonte Reddic just missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Guard Briante Weber recorded one with 10 steals and 13 points. Guard Rob Brandenburg was also in double figures with 11 points.
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For the Eagles, guards Bernard Thompson (a game-high 21 points) and Sherwood Brown (16) combined to score 37 of Florida Gulf Coast's 57 points. The Eagles, a good 3-point shooting team, went 0 for 7 from the arc in the first half with 16 turnovers. They finished 4 of 13.