The last A10 team standing, at least on the men’s side, saw their season come to an end on Wednesday. VCU fell to Utah by a 74-54 count in the NIT quarterfinal game at the Utes’ Huntsman Center. For Ryan Odom’s Rams the season came to a close as Utah moved on to face Indiana State in the NIT semis, Tuesday at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Possessions: 71
Offensive efficiency: Utah 104, VCU 76
Four Factors:
eFG Pct: Utah 55, VCU 41
FT Rate: VCU 26, Utah 16
OREB Pct: Utah 26, VCU 18
TO Rate: VCU 18, Utah 18
Leading scorers:
Utah- Gabe Madsen 18 points (6 of 12 from beyond the arc).
VCU- Sean Bairstow 13
Records: Utah 22-14, VCU 24-14
Kenpom.com MVP: Delvon Smith, Utah. An impressive triple-double for the 6’ senior guard. Smith scored 15 points while garnering game-highs in rebounds with 11 (three offensive) and 12 assists.
The difference. Start with the defensive numbers. The Utes of Craig Smith allow a 98 efficiency per game. In this contest, the defense held VCU, with a 109 norm on the offensive end, far below their average.
The Rams started slow as Utah built an early 18-2 lead. Gradually the visitors came back, getting it to a one possession game late in the first half. Utah then went on two significant spurts. First, a 13-6 to close out the half. The Utes led 36-26 at intermission then opened the second half with an 11-0 spurt. VCU was unable to answer that latter run.
Hot shooting by Utah from long distance 13 of 33 for 39% was a key factor. While the Pac-12 representatives found the mark, the Rams came up cold hitting on only 5 of 26 (19%) from downtown.
Notes: The game was the first ever between the two schools.
VCU made their second quarterfinal appearance.
The Rams returned only 9% of their scoring from last season. VCU was still able to record the 24th consecutive winning season, reach the A10 finals and win two road games in the NIT.
Smith recorded his fifth triple-double this season. That broke the Pac-12 record previously held by Jason Kidd who played for California prior to his NBA days.
