CANCUN, Mexico – Senior Eric Maynor (Raeford, N.C.) poured in 23 of his game-high 31 points in the second half, but Virginia Commonwealth University was unable to overcome A.J. Ogilvy and Vanderbilt Sunday at the Cancun Challenge at the Moon Palace Resort.
Maynor, who topped 30 points for the second time in three games, was selected to the Cancun Challenge All-Tournament Team along with sophomore Larry Sanders (Fort Pierce, Fla.), who scored 10 points, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked five shots for the Rams (3-3). Maynor added five steals and three assists for VCU.
Tournament MVP A.J. Ogilvy scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Commodores (5-1), who pushed out to an 18-point lead early in the second half behind their sophomore center. Ogilvy was 11-of-16 from the field in the game, including 2-of-2 from 3-point range.
The Rams, keyed by their full-court press, began to chip away midway through the second period. VCU forced eight turnovers during a 22-8 burst to pull within 48-47 with 11:11 showing. Maynor had 11 points during the run.
The game remained nip-and-tuck the rest of the way. Vanderbilt’s Brad Tinsley knocked down a 3-pointer with 4:53 left to stretch the Commodore lead to 63-55, but Maynor answered on the next possession with one of his three 3-pointers on the evening.
A Brandon Rozzell (Richmond, Va.) trey with 1:19 left pulled the Rams to within two, at 68-66. But VCU would get no closer, as Vanderbilt knocked down 3-of-4 free throws down the stretch.
The Commodores held a 34-25 edge on the glass, but turned the ball over 23 times, including 15 in the second half. Vanderbilt also knocked down 26-of-30 free throws, while VCU was 10-of-16 from the line.
The Rams return to Richmond for their next contest, when they host Western Michigan at the Siegel Center on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
