As expected, the huge snowstorm that pummeled much of Virginia and the DC area has punched a few holes in Sunday's hoops schedule. In particular, three CAA games have been pushed back a day:
George Mason at Delaware - Monday at approximately 3:30 p.m. (or 35 minutes after the conclusion of the 1 p.m. UNC Wilmington-Delaware men's basketball game)
Drexel at James Madison - Monday at 7 p.m.
Northeastern at Towson - Monday at 4:30 p.m.
But that still leaves a few appetizing pre-Super Bowl hoops matchups, including the much-anticipated - at least by us - VCU at ODU showdown. Also, Richmond will try to use its speed and defensive tenacity to chop down one of the elite teams in the sport this season on ESPNU.
Saturday's games
Hampton 57, South Carolina State 47: Five down, seven to go for the Lady Pirates (11-10, 7-3 MEAC), who are nearing the halfway point of sweeping their final 12 regular-season games. Hampton's QP Doll (Quanneisha Perry) had a team-high 20 points, but the key Lady Pirate this time was Laura Lewis, a preseason second-team All-MEAC pick who was slowed by injury in throughout Hampton's non-conference season. Lewis had 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists and nailed 4 of her 6 3-pointers.
Maryland-Eastern Shore 76, Norfolk State 56: When your opponent opens the game by drawing a technical foul for failing to report the game's starters and you let 'em off the hook by missing both free throws, you probably have an inkling this isn't going to be your day. Ironically, the player who went 0-for-2 from the line, Tyisha Bridges, hit 10-of-10 free throws the rest of the game. No biggie; the Spartans were a longshot to win this game anyway. But NSU should have a real chance on Monday when 3-19 Delaware State comes calling. So if the Lady Hornets want to give you a couple of free points before the game even starts, take 'em. They might really come in handy against these guys.
Sunday's games
Richmond (15-7, 4-3 A-10) at No. 7 Xavier (17-3, 7-0 A-10), 4 p.m.
Once upon a time, we couldn't wait for this game and apparently we weren't the only ones. ESPNU will be broadcasting from Cintas Center. But we fear the Spiders in a marquee A-10 road game considering they fell by 53 at Dayton last month and Crystal Goring continues to nurse a high ankle sprain. Ta'Shia Phillips and Amber Harris, 6-6 and 6-5, respectively are another reason we have confidence in Xavier, which has won 21 of its last 22 regular-season games. But if you're in the Cincinnati area, consider stopping by. The first 100 fans receive a free . Xavier 82, Richmond 60
VCU (15-7, 8-2 CAA) at ODU (11-10, 9-1 CAA), 2 p.m.
To keep its solo hold atop the CAA, the Lady Monarchs need to keep alive the winning streak, which is now at eight. Given ODU's resolve these days, it's easy to imagine that happening against the Rams, who were deflated at home by James Madison on Thursday. Still the Rams are a dangerous opponent, having taken Drexel to OT before falling by two and developing a chemistry due to the devastating ACL tear that ended the collegiate career of La'Tavia Rorie. ODU 70, VCU 65
William and Mary (10-11, 3-7 CAA) at Georgia State (12-9, 3-7 CAA)
The Tribe has fallen on hard times, giving up 241 points in three straight losses. They have won six straight against the Panthers, including a pair in Atlanta. The Panthers have dropped four of five, sneaking in a win against George Mason. The more physical Panthers have won seven at home this year and we suspect today will be No. 8. Georgia State 67, William and Mary 58
Virginia Tech (12-10, 2-6 ACC) at NC State (12-10, 2-5 ACC), 4 p.m.
On paper these teams seem evenly matched, though NC State leads this series 9-0. The Wolfpack trounced Maryland on Jan. 4 but like Tech, has dropped three straight. Heed the advice of ODU -- NC State can shoot 3s (No. 2 in the ACC) and Brittany Strachen leads the league in that category with a sizzling 45 percent, and by the way, she comes off the bench. NC State 68, Virginia Tech 59
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