The great debate about this game always will be whether the University of Akron lost it because of poor shooting or Virginia Commonwealth won it because of superior defense.

One indisputable fact was that the Rams came into Rhodes Arena on Saturday morning and defeated the Zips 57-52 in a matchup that was part of the O'Reilly ESPNU Bracket-Busters schedule.

The crowd of 4,098 and an ESPN2 national television audience saw the Zips (19-8) shoot a season-low 28.3 percent from the floor, making 17-of-60 shots. Included in that total was 24 percent (6-of-25) on 3-pointers.

That was in marked contrast to the Zips' totals of 44.6 percent and 38.9 percent, respectively, in the season's first 26 games.

It would be fashionable to give credit to VCU (21-6), which came in ranked first nationally in 3-point percentage defense (27.5 percent) and 10th nationally in field-goal percentage defense (38.7).

However, UA coach Keith Dambrot thought that the misses were more about his team's inaccuracy.

''I felt we got good shots on almost every possession,'' Dambrot said. ''We definitely got open looks; we just didn't make them. To beat a good team like that, you have to make open shots.

''They are a very good defensive team ... but they didn't force us into anything we couldn't handle.''

VCU, which leads the Colonial Athletic Association in fewest points allowed per game (59.5), was quick and athletic on the perimeter, with guards Eric Maynor, Jamal Shuler (19 points) and Joey Rodriguez.

When the Zips did move
past them, 6-foot-9 freshman Larry Sanders was the ultimate eraser with a career-high nine blocked shots.

So VCU coach Anthony Grant did his part in the debate by crediting his defense for the victory.

''One of the keys for us was to push up and take away the 3-point line with the number of shooters they have,'' Grant said. ''When you do that, your defense will be spread out. Part of what we wanted to do was make them beat us with 2s.

''When they did drive, Larry did a great job of altering or blocking shots. That allowed our perimeter guys to stay aggressive.''

Despite its shooting troubles, UA had every chance to pull out a victory.

The Rams led most of the second half and were ahead 49-41 with 3:10 remaining. The Zips then got five points from Nick Dials and a three-point play by Jeremiah Wood as part of an 8-2 run to make it 51-49 with 1:16 left.

However, after that, the Rams were busy making six free throws, and the Zips had only a 3-pointer by Wood with two seconds left.

Down the stretch, VCU relied on the skill and instincts of Maynor (14 points and four assists), a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award given to the nation's best point guard.

''He didn't have one of his best games, but when it mattered, he took over the game,'' Dambrot said. ''That's why they win close games.''

A bright spot for the Zips and their fans was the play of seniors Dials, Cedrick Middleton and Wood.

Dials went over the 1,000-point mark for his UA career in the first half and finished with 14 points and four assists. Middleton, who has been bothered much of the season with a knee injury, had his third consecutive productive performance with 17 points.

Meanwhile, Wood returned two weeks early from knee surgery to record his sixth double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

''I was excited to play. I felt good on the floor. I felt good laterally. But I wasn't explosive in my jumping,'' said Wood, who had only two days of practice. 'I felt I should have made more shots near the rim. Partly, it's my fault for us losing. I have to make big buckets.''

Dials, Middleton and Wood combined for 45 of Akron's 52 points. Three other players were next with two points each.

The loss was the second in a row at home for the Zips, the first time that has happened since the 2001-02 season.

The Zips have one week off before meeting the University at Buffalo on March 1 at Rhodes Arena.