The VCU Rams secured a dramatic 73-68 victory over the Dayton Flyers on February 7, 2025, at the UD Arena, significantly impacting both teams' hopes for NCAA tournament berths.
This Atlantic 10 showdown was marked by high stakes, as VCU (19-5, 9-2) aimed to maintain momentum against Dayton (16-8, 6-5), who had seen resurgence with victories in five of their last six games. The matchup was particularly important for the Rams as they hoped to improve their resume for potential NCAA tournament consideration.
Both teams commenced the game strongly, with VCU initially finding success led by veteran players such as Joe Bamisile and Max Shulga. The first half concluded with the Rams holding a narrow 31-28 lead after finishing with a 6-0 run.
Entering the second half, the intensity elevated, with both teams battling for control. Dayton briefly took the lead, 59-54, with just under five minutes left on Nate Santos’ free throws, sending the Flyers' faithful—over 13,000 strong—into jubilation.
Yet, the tides soon turned when VCU executed a remarkable 12-0 run—a sequence pivotal in the overall outcome. Shulga hit a key three-pointer, sparking momentum, followed by aggressive plays where turnovers by Dayton created scoring opportunities for the Rams. Zeb Jackson stepped up, contributing significantly during clutch moments by successfully converting free throws and layups.
Although VCU had its share of turnovers throughout the match, the disparity proved significant. Dayton's 19 turnovers directly led to 30 points for VCU, showcasing how the Rams capitalized on the Flyers' mistakes. Conversely, when VCU turned the ball over, Dayton only managed to convert those chances for nine points, highlighting the effectiveness of VCU's defensive strategy.
Despite their struggles from beyond the arc, shooting only 21% (6-of-28), they found reliable success on the free-throw line, scoring 92% (23-of-25). This proficiency helped mitigate their outside shooting deficiencies and maintain their edge.
Although Dayton attempted to rally back, including Santos hitting a three-pointer at the top of the key to reduce VCU's lead to 69-66, Jackson’s calm execution at the charity stripe clinched the game for the Rams, sealing their victory and sending Dayton supporters to the exits frustrated.
VCU’s success can be attributed to their experience and the urgent drive for retribution after narrowly losing to Dayton the previous season. Coach Ryan Odom's tactics and his players' poise under pressure proved decisive, ensuring they kept pace with rivals at the top of the Atlantic 10 standings.
The Rams now look forward with renewed goals, having improved their record and positioned themselves favorably within the conference. Dayton, on the other hand, faces challenges and adjustments if they intend to pursue dreams of reaching the NCAA tournament.
Overall, this match reinforced the competitive spirit of the Atlantic 10 and underlined the importance of ball security and free-throw shooting, brightening the spotlight on how both teams will adjust their strategies moving forward.