FARMVILLE, Va. – Senior guard La'Tavia Rorie and sophomore forward Courtney Hurt (right) each posted career-highs of 25 and 17 points, respectively, and Virginia Commonwealth University never trailed on its way to an 84-64 victory against Longwood Monday evening at Willett Hall.

"I think the most important thing was how we were going to come out and respond after a tough trip in Las Vegas and especially coming off a holiday break," said VCU Head Coach Beth Cunningham.  "I was really pleased with the way the team came out to play and how they were mentally ready to go.

"For the most part, we played about as close to a perfect game as we could and certainly the best we've done all year.  Still, there are some things we have to continue to work on and get better at." 

Longwood (4-10) battled VCU early and pulled within 11-8 on a 3-point play with 15:44 to go in the first half but the Rams scored seven-straight points spanning two minutes to go up 18-8.  VCU (6-5) never looked back and held a 44-25 halftime advantage despite Longwood shooting 50 percent from the field in the opening period.

Rorie went 7-of-10, including a career-best 5-of-5 from 3-point range on her way to 21 first half points.  VCU forced 15 of Longwood's 26 turnovers in the opening period.

The Rams picked up where they left off after the break and went up 55-27, their largest lead of the game, on a jumper by Moss with 16:07 to go.  Longwood pulled with 20 points on four occasions the remainder of the game but it was as close as the Lancers would get.

Senior forward D'Andra Moss added 13 points for VCU and senior guard Kita Waller, who made her first start of the season, contributed 11 points and a game-high eight rebounds.  Junior guard Ebony Patterson came off the bench and tied career-best six assists.

Chelsea Coward led three Longwood players in double figures as she scored a team-high 21 points.  Brittanni Billips finished with 17 points and Crystal Smith added 11 points for the Lancers.

"Overall, I'm really pleased with the team's effort, intensity and focus," said Cunningham.  "They really came out and played with a sense of urgency and passion.  I think our end result showed that."

VCU returns to the Verizon Wireless Arena on Wednesday, December 30 for a 7 p.m. matchup against Coppin State.