They split during the season, each winning on the other’s home floor. In the rubber match at the neutral Barclays Center, VCU emerged the winner, capturing the A10 Tournament Championship. VCU (27-7) advanced to their 19th NCAA Tournament. The Rams, a 12th seed, will face No. 5 St. Mary’s Friday in Albany, NY. Dayton finished at 22-12.
VCU 68 Dayton 56
Possessions: 57
Offensive efficiency: VCU 119, Dayton 98
Leading scorers: Dayton- DaRon Homes 28, VCU- Ace Baldwin 16.
VCU claimed their second A10 Tournament Championship and their first since 2015. The Rams head to the Big Dance with the momentum of a nine game win streak. Dayton built an 11 point lead early in the final half before VCU came storming back on a 19-6 run. That run allows VCU to regain the lead with just under 12 minutes to play. The Rams gained separation with an 8-0 lead down the stretch. DaRon Holmes pulled down 16 rebounds in a double-double effort for the Flyers. Holmes was selected the MOP of the tournament. Dayton committed only 8 turnovers (14% rate) against VCU pressure but was limited to 32% shooting from the floor. Flyers were set back with Toumani Camara fouling out after logging just 20 minutes and scoring six points. Ace Baldwin added seven assists while sophomore forward Jalen DeLoach had a 13 point, 10 rebound double-double.
