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Sanders scores 31, VCU defeats Hofstra 81-68

Jan 13, 2010 - 2:53 AM HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.(AP) -- Larry Sanders scored a career-high 31 points to lead Virginia Commonwealth to an 81-68 win over Hofstra on Tuesday night.

Sanders, the Rams' leading scorer at 14.7 points per game, missed the Delaware game on Saturday while serving a one-game suspension for a flagrant act in VCU's loss at Drexel last week. He was 11-for-13 from the field and 9-for-12 from the free throw line with five rebounds and three blocks.

The Rams (11-4, 3-3 Colonial Athletic Association) took a 40-25 halftime lead after scoring 14 points on 10 turnovers. Free throws were the difference in the second half, with VCU making 19 of 24 to finish 23-for-30 from the line. The Pride (9-9, 2-4) hit 6 of 8 foul shots in the second half and 9 of 12 for the game.

Joey Rodriguez added 21 points and six assists for the Rams.

Charles Jenkins scored 23 points to lead Hofstra and Cornelius Vines added 17.