VCU upsets No. 17 Sooners as Warren struggles

Published Nov. 22, 2009 3:53 a.m. ET

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Jay Gavin scored 20 points, Larry Sanders 17 and Virginia Commonwealth never trailed in an 82-69 upset of No. 17 Oklahoma on Saturday night.

The victory spoiled the return of Oklahoma coach Jeff Capel, who used to coach the Rams.

Leading by one early on, the Rams (2-1) used a 20-8 spurt to take control of the game. VCU hit six straight 3-pointers during the run, including two by Gavin.

Oklahoma cut its deficit to 31-22 with 8:08 left before going without a field goal for just over 6 minutes. VCU extended its advantage to 40-23 with 4:35 left on two free throws by T.J. Gwynn.

The Sooners (1-2) cut the lead to 10 at the half, but could get no closer in the second half. Oklahoma went through a drought in the second half hitting just two field goals over a 10:42 span before Tony Crocker's 3-pointer made it 75-65 with 1:54 left.

The Rams missed only one free throw over the final 23 seconds to end any hopes of a Sooners rally.

Crocker led the Sooners with 19 points and Tiny Gallon added 15.

It marked the first ranked team to play in the Siegel Center, which opened in 1999.