On the road again

Eek!. Tonight's load includes a pair of matchups against daunting foes.

VCU (3-0) at East Carolina (6-0), 7 p.m.: We now return to the occasional series known as the VCU women's basketball season. Rams have been off since they were tested by Morgan State Nov. 21 and don't play again until Sunday. D'Andra Moss has weathered the occasional schedule to be the most consistent player on the team. The senior forward shows no signs of the devastating injury knee injury that shortened her junior season. Moss leads VCU in 13 statistical categories, including scoring (18.7), field-goal percentage (.600) and rebounds (7.7). East Carolina, meanwhile, is red hot at 6-0 and receiving votes in the ESPN poll behind Ashley Clarke (14.8 ppg). The Pirates, who recently dismantled CAA foe Towson 68-45, start three juniors and two sophomores. East Carolina, which has rallied to win the last three between these teams, leads this series 11-10. As much as we'd like to see VCU remain unbeaten, Pirates look like the too strong. East Carolina 69, VCU 61

Radford (0-4) at West Virginia (5-1), 7 p.m.: Oh, my. Let's hope Radford is getting a generous Christmas bonus after this one, as the last thing the Highlanders need right now is a road game in Morgantown. Still seeking an elusive first win, Radford is on the road for seven of its next nine contests. On a happier notes, let's hope friends and family turn out for junior Kaylyn Crosier of South Charleston, W.V. Mountaineers coach Mike Carey tweets: "Just received 11 votes in the coaches' top 25 poll and seven in yesterday's AP poll. They are well deserved!" This one won't be pretty. West Virginia 78, Radford 53