VCU advances to the A-10 Tournament Semi-Finals after grounding the Dayton Flyers, 73-68.
The first half was all Bones Hyland for VCU. The sophomore guard was playing for the first time after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
Hyland exploded for 22 points in the first 20 minutes of play, including a halftime buzzer-beater originally called a three, but later ruled a long-two.
In contrast, Dayton's total halftime score amounted to only four points more than Hyland had at the break.
VCU took an 11 point advantage into the locker room and was able to keep a multiple possession cushion through the rest of the contest.
The largest lead of the night for the Rams was at 19 points with about 9 minutes to play.
But, a 12-2 Flyer run pulled the Anthony Grant led team to within 6 points.
Dayton got no closer than the 5 point deficit that ended the contest.
The Rams used their signature defense to create 21 Dayton turnovers, including 12 steals. VCU turned those turnovers into 22 points.
Hyland led the Rams with 3 steals to go with his game-high 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Hason Ward scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds to go with his team-leading 3 blocks.
Ace Baldwin, Jr., was the only other Ram to hit double digit scoring with 10 points and 2 assists.
VCU advances to play the winner of the (6)George Mason/(3)Davidson Quarterfinal game.
The Rams will take the court again tomorrow, March 6th, with a tip-off of 9pm EST.
That game will be broadcast on CBSSN.
The first half was all Bones Hyland for VCU. The sophomore guard was playing for the first time after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
Hyland exploded for 22 points in the first 20 minutes of play, including a halftime buzzer-beater originally called a three, but later ruled a long-two.
In contrast, Dayton's total halftime score amounted to only four points more than Hyland had at the break.
VCU took an 11 point advantage into the locker room and was able to keep a multiple possession cushion through the rest of the contest.
The largest lead of the night for the Rams was at 19 points with about 9 minutes to play.
But, a 12-2 Flyer run pulled the Anthony Grant led team to within 6 points.
Dayton got no closer than the 5 point deficit that ended the contest.
The Rams used their signature defense to create 21 Dayton turnovers, including 12 steals. VCU turned those turnovers into 22 points.
Hyland led the Rams with 3 steals to go with his game-high 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Hason Ward scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds to go with his team-leading 3 blocks.
Ace Baldwin, Jr., was the only other Ram to hit double digit scoring with 10 points and 2 assists.
VCU advances to play the winner of the (6)George Mason/(3)Davidson Quarterfinal game.
The Rams will take the court again tomorrow, March 6th, with a tip-off of 9pm EST.
That game will be broadcast on CBSSN.
