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Virginia Commmonwealth beats Bethune-Cookman 77-51

Nov 14, 2009 - 4:48 AM RICHMOND, Va.(AP) -- Joey Rodriguez led four players in double figures with 17 points and Virginia Commonwealth routed Bethune-Cookman 77-51 on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Larry Sanders and Jay Gavin each added 12 points for the Rams and Bradford Burgess had 10. It was the first game in two years for Gavin, who sat out last season under NCAA transfer rules.

The Rams broke open the game with a 24-4 run to close out the first half with a 41-21 lead. The Rams forced six turnovers during that span.

The Rams continued to dominate in the second half and led by as many as 32 points at 74-42 with 3:52 remaining.

C.J. Reed had 21 points for the Wildcats to lead all scorers. Alexander Starling added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Poor shooting doomed the Wildcats, who made only 34.7 percent (17-for-49) for the game.