Virginia Commonwealth Rams at Wichita State Shockers
VCU and Wichita State will kick off the Bracketbusters in what is sure to be a fantastic matchup of run and gun teams from the two powerhouse conferences featured in the Bracketbuster, the CAA and the MVC. Both the Rams and Shockers love to get up and down the court, shoot the 3 and try and wear the other team out with their depth. While neither team has a very strong bubble resume, both teams will have a big effect on the bubble. If WSU were to win this game at home, win some of the big remaining MVC matchups on their schedule and make a run to the finals at Arch Madness, the Shockers could make a claim for an at-large bid considering the bubble pool is still relatively weak.
On the other hand, VCU probably played itself out of at-large contention by losing on the road at Northeastern, its second 200+ Rpi conference loss, the first being on the road to Georgia State. Unfortunately for the Rams, they just don't have enough quality wins in conference or out of conference to offset those losses. They can, however, play spoiler in two different ways. By beating WSU on the road, they could potentially end WSU's chances to get an at-large bid this year. However, should they lose to WSU and then go on to win the CAA, they could potentially ruin other CAA teams hopes of getting a second or possibly even third bid from that conference. Alot will also depend on what the other CAA teams involved in the BB do as well.
As for the game itself, expect a high tempo, high scoring affair with ALOT of pressing from the Rams, alot of turnovers from both teams and alot of 3 point attempts. Brad Burgess, VCU's rangy 6"5 do everything guard/forward, will be a nightmare for Wichita State to defend. However, WSU's Toure Murray should be up to the challenge. One of the best matchups in the Bracketbuster will be on the inside in this game, with VCU big man Jamie Skeen try to bang bodies with Wichita State's very own handful in the paint, J.T. Durley. Not only can both big men bang in the paint, they both present matchup problems by being able to step out and hit the 3 pointer. Durley is hardly alone inside however, as 7 footer Garret Stutz and 6"8 Gabe Blair will also be doing dirty work underneath the glass. The Rams are a very young team though, especially inside where they will have a tough time keeping Wichita State's big men off the boards and out of the paint on the offensive end. Our prediction is that Wichita State's size and homecourt advantage are too much for the Rams and the Shockers will prevail in this game at home
