Rams 84, Trojans 78

VCU's Anthony Grant

In preseason men’s basketball action the home-standing VCU Rams struggled to put away the visitors, the Virginia State Trojans. Still, the Rams got what they needed in the way of big plays at the end of the game to prevail: VCU 84, Va. State 78. Tonight’s exhibition marked the first appearance on the Siegel Center floor for the Rams new head coach Anthony Grant.

Senior guard Jesse Pellot-Rosa paced the scoring for the Division I Rams with 22 points. State was led by its senior big man Avis Wyatt, who scored 23 points and showed impressive ball-handling skills. Since the Trojans play at the Division II level, they have to feel good about extending the more highly regarded Rams as they did. I have to think Wyatt will be very difficult to check by his D-II opponents this season.

Photo: SLANT