VCU Basketball: 3 takeaways from huge win over Saint Louis Billikens

FAIRFAX, VA - JANUARY 05: Vince Williams #10 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams dribbles the ball during a college basketball game against the George Mason Patriots at the Eagle Bank Arena on January 5, 2020 in Fairfax, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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Mike Rhoades VCU Basketball (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

VCU Basketball scooped up, arguably, their biggest win of the season on Tuesday, toppling the Saint Louis Billikens in a pivotal Atlantic 10 showdown – with huge implications on the NCAA Tournament bubble – without their best player on the floor.

In a game that never saw either team hold a double-digit lead, the Rams escaped with a 67-65 win, ending the tilt on a 4-0 run in the final minute of play – all on free-throws by Ace Baldwin Jr. Led by Vince Williams (16 points, nine rebounds) and Baldwin (15 points, seven assists), VCU gained a substantial boost in the hunt for a potential at-large bid – made all the more impressive by the fact that it was done without Nah’Shon Hyland.

For Saint Louis, this loss greatly diminishes the Billikens’ at-large aspirations. Since returning from their month-long COVID-19 pause – after starting the season 7-1 prior to the halt – the Billikens have gone 4-4 through A-10 play. After an ugly blowout at the hands of Dayton just days prior, Saint Louis desperately needed a win to remain in the field – but now, the Billikens will be on the outside looking in.

Saint Louis saw monster performances from Hasahn French (season-high 21 points, eight rebounds, two blocks), Javonte Perkins (16 points, seven boards), and Jordan Goodwin (16 points, 12 caroms, three assists) – but foul trouble plagued the Billikens down the stretch, with both French and Marten Linssen – both posts – fouling out in the closing minutes. Additionally, Saint Louis struggled to get much production elsewhere, with Gibson Jimerson the next leading scorer with just six points.

Neither team excelled in shooting the ball – both were exactly 48.6% on two-pointers, and between 30-35% from the perimeter – but both the Rams and Billikens were efficient, recording 1.03 and 1.00 points per possession, respectively. Ultimately, the Rams relied on their renowned defense, forcing Saint Louis to commit 15 turnovers – which led to 13 points for VCU.

With the A-10 Tournament quickly approaching, this was an extremely important and impressive showing by the Rams – especially as they continue to operate without Hyland. With Hyland’s timetable still uncertain, VCU has much to take away from this tilt – especially ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Davidson.