Sunday, November 16th, 4:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Siegel Center (7,500) -- Richmond, Virginia. Television: None. Home Record: The Citadel 1-0, VCU 0-0. Away Record: The Citadel 0-0, VCU 0-0. Neutral Record: The Citadel 0-0, VCU 0-0. Conference Record: The Citadel 0-0, VCU 0-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: In a Cancun Challenge Regional game, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams play host to the Citadel Bulldogs this afternoon at the Siegel Center in Richmond. The Citadel had some minor trouble in its opener, but the team was able to hold on for an 81-72 victory over Grace Bible. It was a positive start to the season for the Bulldogs, who struggled last year, finishing with just six wins. This will be the first of two home games in the Cancun Challenge for VCU. The Rams will also head to Mexico for two games later this month. The Rams have dominated the Colonial Athletic Association over the past two seasons, winning the regular season crown twice and the CAA Tournament title in 2007. There is plenty of talent back on the roster for the Rams to run through their conference schedule once again. This bout marks the first-ever meeting between the Bulldogs and Rams on the hardwood.

Surprisingly, the Bulldogs put forth a strong offensive performance in their nine-point win over Grace Bible. The Citadel, which struggled at that end of the floor last season, shot 47.5 percent from the field and connected on 11- of-29 three-point baskets. The Bulldogs only committed 14 turnovers in the clash, and won the battle on the glass, 38-28. Demetrius Nelson was outstanding for The Citadel, connecting on 6-of-7 attempts from the field en route to 18 points and seven rebounds. Cameron Wells added 15 points for the Bulldogs, while Daniel Eykyn came off the bench to contribute 13 points in just 19 minutes of work. Wells was one of the most consistent players for The Citadel last year, netting 14.4 ppg. Zach Urbanus tallied 13 ppg, and led the squad with four assists per outing.

The Rams are the two-time defending CAA regular season champs, and there is a strong chance the team could grab its third title when the dust settles in the spring. The Rams return three starters, including CAA Player of the Year Eric Maynor. Maynor ranked second in the league with 17.9 ppg, and he led the league with 5.5 apg last season. Sure, the team must replace 1,000-point scorer and All-CAA Defensive Team selection Jamal Shuler. Softening some of the blow from that departure is big man Larry Sanders, who earned CAA All- Rookie and All-Defensive Team honors after blocking a league-high 95 shots.

The Rams play tremendous basketball at both ends of the floor, and they should have no trouble today against the Bulldogs. Maynor should have a huge showing in this opener, as the Rams begin their run at a third straight CAA title.

Predicted Outcome

Virginia Commonwealth 75, The Citadel 67