WOW!!! That about describes it as Keith Urgo’s Fordham Rams keep on rolling. Fordham, with another strong second half, knocked off Saint Louis in front of a packed house at Rose Hill Gymnasium. VCU got back on track with a tough one at Davidson. Dayton survived in the extra session against Loyola.
Fordham 75 Saint Louis 65
Possessions: 73
Offensive efficiency: Fordham 103, Saint Louis 89
Rams trailed by eight early in the second half before battling back to post their fifth straight victory. Saint Louis had a six game win streak snapped in the process. Fordham scored their last 12 points from the charity stripe to seal the verdict. Saint Louis outstanding guard Yuri Collins ( 8 points, 1 assist on the night) spent part of the first half on the bench due to foul trouble. Regardless, Travis Ford’s group had a five point lead at the break. Saint Louis, second in the A10 in offensive efficiency at 109, was held 20 below their average due to a stellar defensive effort by Fordham. Darius Quisenberry scored a game-high 27 for the Rams. Francis Okoro posted a 21 point, 11 rebound double-double to lead Saint Louis.
VCU 61 Davidson 59
Possessions: 60
Offensive efficiency: VCU 102, Davidson 98
Despite not having the services of Foster Loyer (illness) Davidson put up a valiant effort before falling at Belk Arena. Wildcats had a nine point first half lead before VCU turned it up defensively. Rams forced Davidson into a 23% TO rate and enjoyed a 20-5 advantage in points off turnovers. VCU had a season low of six turnovers (10% TO rate) on their end. Adrian Baldwin, whose jumper with 15 seconds left proved to be the game winner, led all scorers with 14 points. Desmond Watson paced Davidson with 12. VCU did not hit a three pointer (0 of 9 from three) for the first time since March 3, 2006 in a game against William & Mary.
Dayton 85 Loyola 81 (OT)
Possessions: 70
Offensive efficiency: Dayton 121, Loyola 116
Dayton’s Toumani Camara scored 20 of his game-high 31 points in the first half as the Flyers took a six point lead into the break. Dayton shot 51% over that span while Loyola stayed close by hitting 54%. In the second half the visiting Ramblers went on a 14-3 run to take the lead. The Flyers bounced back and appeared to be home free holding a six point lead with a minute remaining. Loyola battled back forcing OT when Philip Alston banked in a three pointer with 0.4 remaining. Anthony Grant’s Flyers regrouped in the extra session to earn their second straight win. Alston led the visiting Ramblers with 22 points.
