VCU basketball defeated George Mason in the A-10 Championship game to advance to their 11th NCAA Tournament since 2011.
General Information:
Team: VCU
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Record: 28-6 (15-3)
Head Coach: Ryan Odom (9th season, 2nd at VCU)
What to know about VCU basketball:
VCU basketball enters the NCAA Tournament after a grueling win in the A10 Championship game. As one of the best defensive teams in the country, the Rams are ranked 8th in the country in scoring defense at 62.4 points per game.
The Rams are led by the A-10 Player of the Year, Max Shulga, who averaged 15.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Also, one of the stars of the conference championship game, Joe Bamisile is averaging 15.1 points, add Phillip Russell to the mix and the Rams have one of the best backcourts in the dance.
VCU has also been very clutch in the final minutes of both halves. In the semifinal against Loyola Chicago, the Rams finished the first half on a 15-6 run and finished the second half on a 12-4 run to clinch their spot in the A-10 Championship. Then in the final, after George Mason tied it up at 24 with just over three minutes to play, the Rams finished that half on a 12-4 run once again.
Also, each National Champion since 2002 had been ranked inside the top 40 in offensive efficiency and top 25 in defensive efficiency on KenPom. VCU is ranked 41st in offense and 23rd in defense, which places them just outside of this “cut line.”
So with the leadership of a conference player of the year, one of the most effective defensive units in the country, and their recent clutch play, the Rams will be a tough out in March.
NCAA Tournament prediction for VCU basketball: Round of 32 exit
Actual seed: 11
VCU basketball’s first round matchup with BYU is shaping up to be one of the most competitive games in the first round. With BYU’s recent successes, finishing the regular season and tournament play winning nine of their last 10 games, I do not expect the Rams to dominate.
However, even though VCU’s calling card has been the defensive end, they have steadily improved their offense, especially in crunch time. I could see the Rams falling in the first round to a very talented BYU squad, or advancing to the second weekend. Either way, the Rams are set up for another chance to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.