VCU looks to bounce back at Liberty

Liberty point guard Reagan Miller

VCU (0-1) at Liberty (1-0), 7 p.m.

Our first thought upon learning how disappointed VCU coach Beth Cunningham was with the Rams' performance in Friday's 82-67 loss at High Point was, "Boy, bet she really breaks them down in practice tomorrow." But while that sounds logical, we're not sure that's the answer. This is a veteran, senior-laden team. If Cunningham is still having to light into about basics and "little things" at this point, these Rams aren't going anywhere. If the players look within themselves, they'll find the keys to much better play. How well this team ultimately performs is really up to them.

Having said that, we won't be shocked if Cunningham broke 'em down in practice Saturday anyway.

As for Liberty, the Lady Flames picked up a solid road win Friday at UNC Greensboro. The game featured a 17-point effort by freshman point guard Reagan Miller, who played the entire game in relief of sophomore Emily Frazier. Frazier, who celebrated a birthday Sunday, will be sidelined for a few weeks with a knee injury.

Miller is one of three true freshmen starting point guards among the state's teams - Old Dominion's Ashley Betz-White and Richmond's Miah Register are the others. All three have displayed star-stuff right out of the box. But here's why teams would prefer to integrate rookie floor generals more gradually:

Betz-White - 2 games, 17 turnovers

Register - 2 games, 12 turnovers

Miller - 1 game, 5 turnovers

Turnovers were the single biggest issue plaguing the Lady Flames last year. It'll be interesting to see if Liberty can keep its mistake count down while Miller experiences the natural growing pains that come with learning to run a Division I offense.