VCU destroys Dayton, 99-to-73

Final Score: VCU 99, Dayton 73
Location: Siegel Center
Updated records: VCU 18-6, 9-2 in A-10. Dayton 15-9, 6-5 in A-10.

In a nutshell: Led by Jadrian Tracey's 26 points the VCU Rams smoothly confident offense totally overwhelmed the visiting Dayton Flyers before a sellout crowd (7,637). In the doing, Tracey sank six of his nine attempts from three-point distance. Hey, for most of the game the Rams defense wasn't shabby, either. 

VCU's eyepopping first half performance was probably the best half of basketball it has displayed so far this season. For much of this tilt the running Rams looked very much like a team deserving of an at-large invitation to the Big Dance in March.   

Some noteworthy VCU stats: Tracey also got three rebounds and dished out two assists. Tyrell Ward scored 14 points and grabbed four rebounds. And, Terrence Hill scored his usual 14 points. Lazar Djokovic scored 13 points, pulled down seven rebounds and blocked four shots. And, in points scored off of fast breaks, the running Rams outscored the bewildered Flyers, 30-6. .

NOTES (Information provided by Chris Kowalczyk, VCU Assistant A.D.)

●      Sophomore guard Brandon Jennings recorded a season-high five steals and became the first Ram with 5+ steals in a game since Max Shulga on Nov. 16, 2024 in a victory over Loyola (Md.).

●      Junior guard Michael Belle led the Rams with eight rebounds and three offensive boards as he also added eight points and two blocks.   

●      For the Flyers, sophomore forward Amael L’Etang recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. 

●      VCU held Dayton to 37 percent (24-of-65) shooting in the contest. The Rams built a 50-27 lead by halftime and led by as many as 35 points on the evening. VCU shot 53 percent (17-of-32) in the first half as it took command. 

●      The Rams shot 31-of-38 from the free throw line while the Flyers were 18-of-30. The 38 free throw attempts are the most by VCU in a game this season. 

●      VCU scored 24 points off 16 Dayton turnovers while the Flyers scored 13 off of 12 Rams turnovers.

●      The Rams held the lead for a total of 37:41 with only one tie and three lead changes in the matchup.

●      VCU’s 26-point win was its largest margin of victory in A-10 play this season.

●      26 points from Tracey was the most scored by a Ram this season and first time a VCU. player scored 25+ points since Phillip Russell scored 25 at Loyola Chicago on Jan. 4, 2025

 

BOXSCORE

NEXT UP: On Wednesday, February 11, VCU travels to visit La Salle in Philadelphia. Tipoff will be at 6:30 p.m. TV: ESPN+.

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