SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Senior La'Tavia Rorie (Charlotte, N.C.) (pictured, right) scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Virginia Commonwealth University put the brakes on Arkansas State's offense in a 72-43 win in the opening round of the Anaconda Sports "The Rock" SHU Basketball Classic.

With the victory, the Rams (2-0) advance to Saturday's championship game against Morgan State at 3 p.m.  at Seton Hall's Walsh Gymnasium. Morgan State (2-1) edged the host Pirates, 58-55, in Friday's other contest.

VCU's signature defense was in its full glory Friday, as the Rams limited the Red Wolves (2-2) to just 14 field goals. The Black and Gold held Arkansas State to 23 percent (14-of-60) shooting from the floor, including 0-of-11 from 3-point range. VCU outrebounded ASU, 62-47, and forced 25 turnovers.

Senior D'Andra Moss (Atlanta, Ga.) added 16 points and seven rebounds for the Rams, while junior Ebony Patterson (Richmond, Va.) chipped in with 10 points. VCU also got 19 points and 29 rebounds from its bench.

"Our goal was to come in here and win this tournament," VCU Coach Beth Cunningham said. "So, this was a step in the right direction. We got some quality contributions off the bench, and with the quick turnaround, depth will be key tomorrow."

Ebonie Jefferson led Arkansas State with 11 points. The Red Wolves came into Friday's game following a stunning upset of Kansas State on Monday in Manhattan, Kan.

VCU has defeated Morgan State each of the last two seasons, including a 71-43 rout at the Siegel Center last year.

"[Morgan State] has been very athletic in the past," Cunningham said. "They've got some additions in the post this year they didn't before, as well as the same guards that hurts us in previous years. We've got to do a good job of stopping them in transition and do a good job rebounding and defending."