Virginia Commonwealth defeats Georgia State 71-54

RICHMOND, Va. – Rob Brandenberg scored 23 points as Virginia Commonwealth avenged an earlier defeat against Georgia State by beating the Panthers 71-54 Wednesday night.

Georgia State, which defeated VCU 76-66 Jan. 3 in Atlanta, made only 6 of 26 shots from the field (23.1 percent) in the first half. The Panthers, without starting point guard Devonta White (ankle injury), committed 24 turnovers — twice as many as VCU — against the Rams' pressing defense.

VCU (14-5, 6-1 Colonial Athletic Association) cruised to its 20th consecutive home victory, establishing a 35-18 halftime lead and building on it. Brandenberg's layup with 9:12 left to play gave the Rams a 60-36 lead, their biggest of the game.

Jamie Skeen added 15 points and seven rebounds for VCU.

James Fields led Georgia State (8-9, 3-4) with 13 points and was its only player to score in double figures.