Last Second 3 by Bones Give VCU Huge Road Win at Rhody
by Charlie Krausse February 3, 2021
@ckrausse02
@ckrausse02
Down two, final possession, VCU could not have been smarter with the basketball. Where most teams hold for a final shot, usually deep and ugly, the Rams moved the ball around and looked inside. After a miss by Jamir Watkins, came a huge tip out by Ace Baldwin directly into the hands of Bones Hyland with just over 3 seconds left, setting up the game winner. Bones then did what he’s been doing all season, hit a three pointer. Not just any three pointer, but a clutch shot, none-the-less.
The Rams needed help to close out the victory. The referees called a reach-in foul on Vince Williams with 1.8 seconds remaining, giving Rhode Island’s Ishmael Leggett a one plus bonus foul shot. Coaches coach. In football, coaches ice the field goal kickers. In basketball, coaches ice the free throw shooters. VCU Head Coach Mike Rhodes did just that, iced the shooter. Leggett fell victim to the icing on his initial shot, allowing big-man, Hassan Ward an easy rebound and seal the victory for the VCU Rams, 63-62.
This was only VCU’s second win against Rhode Island in the past eleven matchups. “We’re a little banged up. It wasn’t always pretty, but we grinded out a win,” said Coach Rhodes. “The guys want to win so bad, but it doesn’t always go the way you want, right?” added Rhodes. “But, you have to hang in there and stick together. It’s a long college basketball season. Winning on the road in the A-10 isn’t easy. The St. Bonaventure game was us at our lowest. But maybe we learned from that game and that helped us today.”
Having arguably his game of the season was Levi Stockard, scoring 15 points and three rebounds. During the second half, VCU was down 10. It was his basket that helped tie the game at 55 with 3:46 remaining.
Hyland led the floor with scoring with 23 points, including five three pointers. None bigger than the game winner with seconds remaining. “We’re so full of emotion right now!” exclaimed Hyland in the locker room after the victory. “Everyone contributed.”
Havoc was in its usual form. The VCU Rams forced 16 turnovers on the Rhode Island Rams and blocked another six shots, adding to their nationally ranked block shot defense. One stat that should never be overlooked is VCU made fourteen free throws while Rhode Island only attempted eight. Anytime a team makes more free throws than their opponent attempts, it puts that team in a position to win.
VCU improves to 13-4 overall and 6-2 in the Atlantic 10. The number one inconsistency VCU has faced this season is their schedule. The Rams have had five games either postponed or switched so far this season. That has to play a factor into their mental being. With that said, early reports indicate the February 12th matchup with Richmond is being postponed, as well.
Most college basketball experts projecting the Field of 68 have VCU listed as a “Bubble Team”. Some have the Rams as a “Last 4 In”, others have the Rams listed as “First Four Out”. Regardless, VCU just earned a strong Quadrant-2 road victory, maybe possibly a Quadrant-1 by the end of the season. This win only strengthens VCU’s resume.
The Rams next match is Super Bowl Sunday, in Pittsburgh as they play A-10 counterpart, Duquesne.
The Rams needed help to close out the victory. The referees called a reach-in foul on Vince Williams with 1.8 seconds remaining, giving Rhode Island’s Ishmael Leggett a one plus bonus foul shot. Coaches coach. In football, coaches ice the field goal kickers. In basketball, coaches ice the free throw shooters. VCU Head Coach Mike Rhodes did just that, iced the shooter. Leggett fell victim to the icing on his initial shot, allowing big-man, Hassan Ward an easy rebound and seal the victory for the VCU Rams, 63-62.
This was only VCU’s second win against Rhode Island in the past eleven matchups. “We’re a little banged up. It wasn’t always pretty, but we grinded out a win,” said Coach Rhodes. “The guys want to win so bad, but it doesn’t always go the way you want, right?” added Rhodes. “But, you have to hang in there and stick together. It’s a long college basketball season. Winning on the road in the A-10 isn’t easy. The St. Bonaventure game was us at our lowest. But maybe we learned from that game and that helped us today.”
Having arguably his game of the season was Levi Stockard, scoring 15 points and three rebounds. During the second half, VCU was down 10. It was his basket that helped tie the game at 55 with 3:46 remaining.
Hyland led the floor with scoring with 23 points, including five three pointers. None bigger than the game winner with seconds remaining. “We’re so full of emotion right now!” exclaimed Hyland in the locker room after the victory. “Everyone contributed.”
Havoc was in its usual form. The VCU Rams forced 16 turnovers on the Rhode Island Rams and blocked another six shots, adding to their nationally ranked block shot defense. One stat that should never be overlooked is VCU made fourteen free throws while Rhode Island only attempted eight. Anytime a team makes more free throws than their opponent attempts, it puts that team in a position to win.
VCU improves to 13-4 overall and 6-2 in the Atlantic 10. The number one inconsistency VCU has faced this season is their schedule. The Rams have had five games either postponed or switched so far this season. That has to play a factor into their mental being. With that said, early reports indicate the February 12th matchup with Richmond is being postponed, as well.
Most college basketball experts projecting the Field of 68 have VCU listed as a “Bubble Team”. Some have the Rams as a “Last 4 In”, others have the Rams listed as “First Four Out”. Regardless, VCU just earned a strong Quadrant-2 road victory, maybe possibly a Quadrant-1 by the end of the season. This win only strengthens VCU’s resume.
The Rams next match is Super Bowl Sunday, in Pittsburgh as they play A-10 counterpart, Duquesne.
image courtesy of VCU Athletics