Richmond, Va. - In the first game of the 2010 College Basketball Invitational championship series, the Saint Louis Billikens fell at VCU 68-56 Monday night at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Va. The contest was the first in the best-of-three series to decide the CBI title.

The Billikens grabbed the early lead as Cody Ellis tallied two of SLU's first three baskets. VCU's Larry Sanders scored the first four buckets for the Rams to keep the Rams close. Kyle Cassity drained a 3-pointer, and Cory Remekun sank a jumper in the lane for a 13-12 lead, but VCU hit three straight treys to surge ahead. Kwamain Mitchell scored on a floater from the right then swished a trey. Cassity made another 3-pointer as the Billikens closed to 23-21 with just under four minutes left to play in the first half. However, VCU outscored the Billikens 13-4 to close the first half to take a 36-25 lead at intermission.

Reed sparked the Billikens by opening the second half with two straight hoops. Ellis scored in transition to cut the gap to 36-31. After a basket by VCU, Mitchell hit another 3-pointer as SLU closed to 38-34 at the 17:02 mark. The Rams moved the lead back up to seven, but a dunk by Jon Smith and a long jumper by Mitchell drew the Billikens to 41-38. However, Joey Rodriguez took over for the Rams by scoring their next 14 points, including three 3-pointers, as VCU extended the margin to 55-42 eight minutes into the half. Ellis scored inside to trim the margin to single figures at 51-42, but the Rams answered with a 13-2 run to take control. The Billikens made one last charge and reeled off a 7-0 burst. Christian Salecich 3-pointer brought SLU to 67-56 but the Billikens could not inch any closer.

Reed led SLU with 11 points and six rebounds, while Mitchell and Ellis both scored 10 points apiece. Cassity dished out a career-high seven assists. Joey Rodriguez tallied 22 points, and Larry Sanders added 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead VCU. The Rams converted 16 Billiken turnovers into 25 points.

The Billikens see their three-game winning streak in the CBI end and are 23-12. The Rams improve to 26-9. The teams will play the second game of the championship series at 7 p.m. (CT) Wednesday, March 31, at Chaifetz Arena. If a third contest is needed, it takes place Friday, April 2, at 7 p.m. (CT) in Chaifetz Arena.