VCU (17-9; 7-6 A10) struggled offensively all night against the #5 Dayton Flyers before ultimately dropping their third-straight conference game.
Dayton started the game on a quick 6-0 run behind two three pointers—including one by Obi Toppin—before the Rams rattled off a 7-0 run of their own to take the lead before the 16-minute.media timeout.
A layup by Jalen Crutcher on the other side of the break would give Dayton the 8-7 lead; an advantage Dayton would relinquish for the remainder of the night.
The Rams would pull within a single possession several more times on the night, but with each advance the Flyers answered.
Crutcher and VCU guard, Bones Hyland, each finish with a game high 18 points.
The matchup of the night—and all eyes—was on Toppin and how VCU would guard the probably future lottery pick.
The Rams defense held Toppin to just 3 points and 1 rebound at the half. He finished the night with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
The Ram responsible for containing Toppin most of the night was Marcus Santos-Silva who finished with his 9th double-double of the season as he scored 12 points and raked in 17 rebounds.
Overall, the Rams won the battle of the boards as the out-rebounded the Flyers 41-31.
VCU struggled to find any offense rhythm though as the Rams shot 37% (21-57) overall from the floor; and just 29% (6-21) from downtown.
The loss moves the Rams into the 7th-place position in conference play.
VCU returns to action Friday, February 21st, as they travel to Saint Louis to take on the Billikens for their only conference matchup of the year. That game is set to tip at 9pm EST and will be broadcast on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.
