VCU’s season came to an end Thursday night in Denver as the Rams fell to BYU, 80-71, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had built momentum throughout the season, capturing both the Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament titles before heading to the Big Dance.
The Rams battled throughout, but a late first-half run by BYU proved to be the difference. With the game tied 24-24 and just under seven minutes remaining in the first half, the Cougars closed on a 15-4 run to take an 11-point lead into the break. That deficit ballooned to 20 early in the second half before VCU found its rhythm, knocking down 11 threes after halftime to claw back into the game. Despite their efforts, the Rams couldn’t get closer than nine points the rest of the way.
Zeb Jackson put up a season-high 23 points to lead VCU, while Max Shulga, Joe Bamisile, and Jack Clark each added 12. The Rams shot the ball well from deep in the second half but struggled on the boards, getting out-rebounded 40-31. Despite their reputation as one of the top offensive rebounding teams in the country, they lost that battle 14-12 to the Cougars.
This was VCU’s third NCAA Tournament appearance in the last five seasons, but the program is still searching for its first March Madness victory since 2016. The Rams finish the year with a 28-7 record, their best mark since the 2010-11 Final Four season.
As the off-season begins, all eyes will be on head coach Ryan Odom. The second-year VCU coach has been linked to the head coaching vacancy at Virginia, and with his success in Richmond, he remains one of the top candidates for the job. Whether Odom stays or moves on, VCU will look to reload and build on another successful campaign as it aims to break through in future tournaments.
The Rams battled throughout, but a late first-half run by BYU proved to be the difference. With the game tied 24-24 and just under seven minutes remaining in the first half, the Cougars closed on a 15-4 run to take an 11-point lead into the break. That deficit ballooned to 20 early in the second half before VCU found its rhythm, knocking down 11 threes after halftime to claw back into the game. Despite their efforts, the Rams couldn’t get closer than nine points the rest of the way.
Zeb Jackson put up a season-high 23 points to lead VCU, while Max Shulga, Joe Bamisile, and Jack Clark each added 12. The Rams shot the ball well from deep in the second half but struggled on the boards, getting out-rebounded 40-31. Despite their reputation as one of the top offensive rebounding teams in the country, they lost that battle 14-12 to the Cougars.
This was VCU’s third NCAA Tournament appearance in the last five seasons, but the program is still searching for its first March Madness victory since 2016. The Rams finish the year with a 28-7 record, their best mark since the 2010-11 Final Four season.
As the off-season begins, all eyes will be on head coach Ryan Odom. The second-year VCU coach has been linked to the head coaching vacancy at Virginia, and with his success in Richmond, he remains one of the top candidates for the job. Whether Odom stays or moves on, VCU will look to reload and build on another successful campaign as it aims to break through in future tournaments.
