Williams’ Career Night Leads VCU Past Dayton
by Charlie Krausse February 9, 2021
@ckrausse02
@ckrausse02
Vince Williams’ career night came on an ideal night. Announced not even three full days ago, VCU found out their schedule was adjusted. With Fordham, Davidson and Richmond each on COVID pause regulations, the Atlantic 10 adjusted VCU’s schedule this week. Today the Rams traveled to Dayton where Williams’ 19 points, VCU defeated their A-10 rivals, 76-67.
The Rams improve to 14-4 overall and 7-2 in conference. “As much as we like to run, it still comes down to half court offense and half court defense,” said Head Coach Mike Rhodes after the game, “especially when you are on the road.” As was the case tonight.
Dayton started the game hot and got out to an early lead in the first half. But, VCU went on an 10-0 run giving the Rams a two point advantage at the break.
Williams made five three pointers, including his last late in the second half with 0:40 seconds remaining to seal the victory. As Rhodes put it, “Welcome home V!” The 6’6 Junior from Toledo, “does things the right way. So valuable on both sides of the court,” added Rhodes.
VCU forced 16 turnovers and scored 29 points off of said turnovers. In other words, 38% of their points came directly from Havoc. “So many guys contributed. I love it. They rose to the occasion,” said Rhodes. One of which was Jamir Watkins. With Corey Douglas in a boot and out of action, Watkins saw an increase in minutes. Scoring 8 points (six for six from free throws), Watkins is exactly what Coach Rhodes is referring to, forcing two steals on the defensive end.
Bones Hyland made his impact as well. With a mostly “quiet” night, the Sophomore came up huge during the final minutes of the game. First nailing a 3-pointer from well beyond the three point line then followed up with a transition layup to put the Rams up six with just over three minutes remaining. “We are really working on converting steals on press to points,” added Rhodes.
The transition scoring was a major difference maker against the Flyers in both meetings this season. Three weeks ago, the Rams scored 13 points in transition before they took that stat to a whole new level tonight.
Going into the night, VCU was ranked at 39th in the NCAA NET ranking. The ranking system the tournament committee will use to help select the teams participating in the National Championship 68-team tournament.
Two of the major categories is the Quadrant-1 and Quadrant-2 records. VCU will remain 1-3 in Quad-1 but will improve to 3-0 in Quad-2 games and 5-2 on the road. All of these matrix currently bode well for the Rams who are currently sitting as a “Last 4 In” as seen on the link - https://www.coachandcrewshow.com/ncaa-basketball-power-rankings.html
The Rams next host St. Bonaventure on Friday night in Richmond. The Bonnies won the first encounter this 70-56. A share of the A-10 lead is on the line.
The Rams improve to 14-4 overall and 7-2 in conference. “As much as we like to run, it still comes down to half court offense and half court defense,” said Head Coach Mike Rhodes after the game, “especially when you are on the road.” As was the case tonight.
Dayton started the game hot and got out to an early lead in the first half. But, VCU went on an 10-0 run giving the Rams a two point advantage at the break.
Williams made five three pointers, including his last late in the second half with 0:40 seconds remaining to seal the victory. As Rhodes put it, “Welcome home V!” The 6’6 Junior from Toledo, “does things the right way. So valuable on both sides of the court,” added Rhodes.
VCU forced 16 turnovers and scored 29 points off of said turnovers. In other words, 38% of their points came directly from Havoc. “So many guys contributed. I love it. They rose to the occasion,” said Rhodes. One of which was Jamir Watkins. With Corey Douglas in a boot and out of action, Watkins saw an increase in minutes. Scoring 8 points (six for six from free throws), Watkins is exactly what Coach Rhodes is referring to, forcing two steals on the defensive end.
Bones Hyland made his impact as well. With a mostly “quiet” night, the Sophomore came up huge during the final minutes of the game. First nailing a 3-pointer from well beyond the three point line then followed up with a transition layup to put the Rams up six with just over three minutes remaining. “We are really working on converting steals on press to points,” added Rhodes.
The transition scoring was a major difference maker against the Flyers in both meetings this season. Three weeks ago, the Rams scored 13 points in transition before they took that stat to a whole new level tonight.
Going into the night, VCU was ranked at 39th in the NCAA NET ranking. The ranking system the tournament committee will use to help select the teams participating in the National Championship 68-team tournament.
Two of the major categories is the Quadrant-1 and Quadrant-2 records. VCU will remain 1-3 in Quad-1 but will improve to 3-0 in Quad-2 games and 5-2 on the road. All of these matrix currently bode well for the Rams who are currently sitting as a “Last 4 In” as seen on the link - https://www.coachandcrewshow.com/ncaa-basketball-power-rankings.html
The Rams next host St. Bonaventure on Friday night in Richmond. The Bonnies won the first encounter this 70-56. A share of the A-10 lead is on the line.
picture courtesy of richmond.com