VCU is looking to position themselves for an at-large bid in the upcoming NCAA tournament. In order to do that they’ll need to keep winning.
VCU guard Marcus Evans — Image: Mark Gormus, Times-Dispatch
Because, outside of the automatic bid which comes with winning the conference tournament, there’s nothing guaranteed this season in the Atlantic 10.
The margin of error in the conference this season is very thin, writes Joe Lunardi of ESPN.com.
“The Atlantic 10 has been a multi-bid league in the NCAA tournament for 13 straight years and 26 of the past 28. It has averaged 3.2 bids per season for the better part of three decades, including a high of six as recently as 2014. It is not a “mid-major” conference by any definition.”
There’s been, however, a sharp turn from the normal this season with the Atlantic 10. Preseason favorites Saint Louis and St. Joseph’s have not played up to expectations. It’s Davidson and George Mason, meanwhile, serving as VCU’s competition for the top spot in the conference, with Dayton breathing down the backs of all three.
But VCU is trending in the right direction.
Since Mr. Lunardi’s analysis, VCU has won three straight games. The Rams took care of Richmond with an 81-60 blowout win, Wednesday night. They’ve now won five straight and seven of their last eight.
The win moved VCU (18-6 overall, 9-2 Atlantic 10) into a first-place tie with Davidson. Their offense is beginning to catch up to how well their defense has played this season. Junior guard Marcus Evans is beginning to find his groove at the point. That’s bad news for the rest of the conference.
When the Rams face Dayton, this Saturday, they’ll have an opportunity to begin creating separation from the Flyers and focus on a two-team race with George Mason.
The selection committee for the NCAA tournament will have its work cut out for them. But if VCU continues to pile up wins, there will be room for at least one at-large team from the Atlantic 10 ready to dance.
