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VCU Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Rams to beat Wichita State Shockers

By Bryan Mauro

RICHMOND, VA - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Mike Rhoades of the VCU Rams calls a play in the first half during a game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Stuart C. Siegel Center on December 7, 2019 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, VA - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Mike Rhoades of the VCU Rams calls a play in the first half during a game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Stuart C. Siegel Center on December 7, 2019 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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RICHMOND, VA – NOVEMBER 08: Marcus Santos-Silva #14 high fives Issac Vann #23 of the VCU Rams (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, VA – NOVEMBER 08: Marcus Santos-Silva #14 high fives Issac Vann #23 of the VCU Rams (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

1. Defense Travels

As the saying goes “defense wins championships,” while VCU has never won a championship they have been a top-tier Atlantic 10 and mid major team for many years. The reason is their relentless defense. Under former head coach Shaka Smart the Rams played a havoc style that relied on a full court press and quick hands. The defense resulted in many turnovers for the opponent which led to extra possessions for VCU. Coach Wade went away from the Havoc style but still was good on defense. Coach Rhoades has brought back a version of the Havoc and it is having the same effect.

VCU is currently turning their opponents over 20 times per game. The steal numbers are gaudy and eliminating the high scoring LSU game the Rams are giving 59 points per game. Defense should always travel especially when going to an environment like Wichita State. The Shockers are also a tremendous defensive team giving up 61 points per game. This game is going to be a rock fight and the team who rebounds and plays defense the best is going to come out on top.

When the Rams are going well their defensive philosophies lead to easy baskets on the offensive end. The offense is set up by the defense and the baskets in transition also lend themselves to VCU taking and making a lot of threes. The Rams are going to get after it on defense that is a given, the question is how many points they are going to allow.

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Getting stops is one thing, but if VCU can turn the Shockers over at a high rate and minimize their possessions they give themselves a great chance to win the game. Either way, this is going to be one of the best games of the weekend.