A rundown from a busy Saturday of A10 action….
Rhode Island 72 Davidson 65
Rams snapped a six game slide in a huge way. Davidson committed only four turnovers for an outstanding 6% TO rate. Bob McKillop’s group couldn’t find the range however, shooting just 25% from three. Rhody shot 54% from downtown as Jeremy Sheppard knocked down three treys en route to a game-high 23 points. It was Davidson’s second loss in conference play (first on the road) and ended the Wildcats’ four game win streak.
Dayton 80 George Washington 54
Flyers posted a superb 119 offensive efficiency while limiting the visiting Colonials to 81. Dayton had a balanced attack with four hitting double figures in scoring. Kobe Elvis led the way with 13 points. Anthony Grant’s Flyers also drained 63% (10 of 16) of their attempts from long distance. George Washington did force 16 Dayton turnovers (24%) rate. As they say, shooting cures many ills, and the Flyers’ eye popping 73% eFG mark did attest to that axiom.
UMass 69 Saint Joseph’s 67
On a day UMass great Marcus Camby was honored, neither team led by more than six. In a game with 21 lead changes and six ties, the visiting Hawks held a five point lead with just under seven minutes remaining. Minutemen regained the lead by virtue of an 8-0 run. Michael Steadman of UMass led all scorers with 19 points. The UMass backcourt was outstanding as they combined for 18 assists (Noah Fernandes led with 9) and two turnovers. Cameron Brown led the Hawks with 15 points.
Fordham 65 Duquesne 54
The Rams took to the road, snapping a two game losing streak. Duquesne dropped their ninth straight, falling to 1-9 in A10 play. Kyle Neptune missed the services of Darius Quisenberry, sitting out with an injury. Fordham compensated with balanced scoring, placing four in double figures. Chuba Ohams led the way with an 18 point, 14 rebound double-double. Duquesne forced the Rams into a 25% TO rate. Fordham compensated by ruling the boards with a 48-25 (16 offensive) advantage. Offensively, the Dukes struggled, securing just five offensive rebounds and posting an 83 offensive efficiency.
Richmond 77 La Salle 63
Richmond rebounded from Wednesday’s OT setback at George Mason. Chris Mooney’s Spiders were efficient and balanced on offense. Richmond’s offensive efficiency was 113. Five were in double figures with Grant Golden and Tyler Burton leading the way with 15 points each. Richmond’s defense also had a noteworthy outing, limiting the Explorers to a 93 efficiency on the offensive end. Jack Clark scored a game-high 19 points for La Salle, on the short end in seven of their last eight.
VCU 85 George Mason 70
Three in a row and six of the last seven for Mike Rhoades’ surging Rams. In this one the host Patriots never led. VCU has experienced turnover problems. For the afternoon they were guilty of only 12 (17% rate). On the defensive end, the Rams forced 17 (24% rate). In an outstanding offensive showing, VCU’s efficiency was 121 with a 45% mark shooting from long range. Adrian Baldwin and Vince Williams scored 18 points. Baldwin added 10 assists. Once again, Josh Oduro was a bright spot for George Mason with 18 points, 9 rebounds.
