Virginia Commonwealth's Jadrian Tracey stole the show at the Siegel Center, scoring 26 points to lead VCU to a resounding 99-73 victory over Dayton. The Rams' high-powered offense was on full display, as they built a commanding 50-27 halftime lead and never looked back. Tyrell Ward and Terrence Hill Jr. chipped in with 14 points each, as VCU's balanced attack proved too much for the Flyers to handle.
Amaël L'Etang was a bright spot for Dayton, posting a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jordan Derkack added 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Javon Bennett contributed 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome VCU's torrid shooting. The Rams' 50-point first half set the tone for the game, and they maintained their intensity in the second half, outscoring Dayton 49-46.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had VCU winning by 7.7 points, but the Rams far exceeded that margin, ultimately winning by 26. The convincing victory was a reflection of VCU's depth and talent, as they improved to 18-6 on the season. Dayton, on the other hand, fell to 15-9, but can take solace in the fact that this was a Quad 1 game for them, which will still look good on their tournament resume.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The game was essentially decided in the first half, as VCU's stifling defense held Dayton to just 27 points. The Rams, meanwhile, were clicking on all cylinders, with Tracey and company leading the charge. In the second half, Dayton showed some fight, but VCU's lead was too large to overcome. The Rams' ability to maintain their lead and close out the game with confidence will be a valuable asset as they head into the final stretch of the season.
This win was a Quad 3 victory for VCU, which will help bolster their tournament resume. With a current Net ranking of 50, the Rams are firmly in the mix for an at-large bid. For Dayton, this loss won't hurt their chances too much, as it was a Quad 1 game, but they'll need to regroup and refocus as they head into the final weeks of the season. As it stands, VCU's dominant performance has real consequences for their tournament chances, as they continue to build a strong case for a spot in the Big Dance.