The A-1o’s highest seed fell in a bit of a non-upset yesterday, as 7-seed VCU saw their season end at the hands of 10-seed Ohio State, the Vegas favorite, in an overtime thriller that just got away from the Rams.
VCU led early, going up by double digits before Ohio State’s zone defense combined with some VCU foul trouble slowed down Shaka Smart and the Rams. VCU led by two with 1:33 to play after back-to-back Melvin Johnson threes erased a four-point disadvantage.
An Amir Williams dunk quickly tied the game, then after trading misses, the Rams had a chance for the win.
Treveon Graham attacked the basket in the same fashion he has throughout his career but the eventual game-winner was not to be, with no game-saving whistles despite a ton of body from the Ohio State defender.
Graham had a chance to tie with 11 seconds remaining in overtime but just missed. OSU hit two free throws at the other end to ice the game.
The loss gives the Rams their second consecutive second round exit, having lost last year’s tournament opening game to 12-seed Stephen F Austin.
VCU has been on the losing end of two seed upsets the past two seasons. The Rams won their opening game in 2013 against Akron and won a 12 v 5 upset the previous year against Wichita State.
DAVIDSON PREPARES FOR IOWA STATE
The Wildcats head into today’s matchup with 7-seed Iowa state as a 2-point underdog. Davidson will look to be on the good side of another 10 over 7 upset in this year’s tournament when taking on a Hawkeye team who struggles to shoot.
It will be a contrast of styles and sizes as the smaller Wildcats take on an Iowa squad that typically employs a front line of consisting of three guys 6’9 or taller.
Davidson struggled against La Salle’s frontline of Steve Zack and Jarelle Wright in this year’s A-10 tournament but survived despite shooting just 38.7% from the field in that contest.
Game tips at 7:20PM EST on TNT.
DAYTON MAKES QUICK TRIP TO COLUMBUS FOR ROUND OF 64 TIP
The Dayton Flyers have already provided one thrilling win for the A-10 tournament and will look to add more units to the conference coffers when taking on the Providence Friars today in Columbus.
The Friars come into this game a three-point favorite and are coming off a two-point loss to 1-seed Villanova in the Big East tournament.
Providence is 2-0 against A-10 teams this season, having beaten Rhody by eight before blowing out UMass by 20 points early this season. The Flyers beat Rhode Island twice but suffered a two-point road loss in Amherst to the Minutemen.
Game tips at 9:57PM EST on TruTV.
