The sophomore trio of Larry Sanders, Brandon Rozzell and Ed Nixon combined for 48 points to lead Virginia Commonwealth University to a 79-64 exhibition win over Division II Virginia State Wednesday at the Siegel Center.

Sanders recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. He also provided three blocked shots, three steals and a pair of thunderous dunks.

Nixon and Rozzell added 16 points each for the Rams, who shot 46 percent (27-of-59) in the game.

After a lackluster first half, VCU hit on 56 percent (14-of-25) of its attempts to pull ahead by double digits.

Terrell Crockett knocked down a pair of free throws to pull the Trojans within 49-44 with 12:02 left, but from there the Rams took control with a 15-4 run.

Still, VCU Head Coach Anthony Grant said he demands more from his team.

“My expectations are a lot higher in terms of how hard we play, our execution, our discipline,” Grant said. “The things that I’m about as a coach were not on display tonight and we have to find a way to correct that.”

Sophomore Joey Rodriguez handed out 10 assists, while freshman Bradford Burgess scored 12 points off the bench for VCU. Senior Eric Maynor scored 10 points in 16 minutes in the first half. He did not play in the second half.

The victory was the Rams’ second and final exhibition contest of the year. VCU opens the regular season at home on Sun., Nov. 16 against The Citadel at 4 p.m.

– The information above was provided by Chris Kowalczyk at VCU.