A night after UAB was drubbed by Clemson on the first day of the First Four, VCU took the court in Dayton to take on USC on the final day of the First Four. All the talk on the pre-game show on truTV was about how the Trojans' guards would handle the press and be able to penetrate the lane on the Rams and that VCU would have trouble against USC's bigs.
A funny thing happened actually during the game. VCU's defense stifled USC's big men and guards. The Trojans had TWENTY ONE less field goals attempts, fifteen turnovers (compared to only eight for VCU) and were 1 of 9 from beyond the arc. The result was a convincing 59-46 win for the Rams. Jamie Skeen had a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds as the Rams outrebounded the vaunted frontline of the Trojans (with 15 offensive rebounds to boot). It was the first time all season that USC allowed less than 60 points and lost (previously 14-0). Shaka Smart should give an assist to Bruiser Flint, whose Drexel teams prepared VCU over their three games for slugfests like this.
All I have left to say is three things. One, hope all you analysts who said VCU didn't belong are properly eating crow and apologizing today. Second, how do you like them now?!
And finally, #3Bids4CAA.
and NOW...ELITE 8!
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