Atlantic 10 Basketball: Bonnies on top heading into conference tournament

2. VCU Rams

• 2020-21 record: 17-6 overall, 10-4 A-10
• Previous ranking: 1st

The Nah’Shon Hyland-less stretch continues for the Rams, and it has not necessarily been easy for a squad that appeared primed to run away with the A-10 regular-season title.  After enjoying a six-game win streak, the Rams have now dropped two of their last three games, and are fighting for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament.

Just a few weeks ago, the Rams scooped up their two biggest conference wins of the year, toppling St. Bonaventure and Richmond at home – but subsequently dropped an overtime game to George Mason that saw Bones Hyland – arguably, the favorite for A-10 Player of the Year – go down with a right foot sprain.  VCU rebounded with an extremely impressive home win over Saint Louis – sans Hyland – but closed out the regular season with a road loss to Davidson.

With Hyland out, the most consistent offensive threat for the Rams has been junior Vince Williams, who poured in a team-high 16 points in the win over Saint Louis as well as 11 at Davidson.  Unfortunately, the loss to Davidson also saw Williams go down with an ankle injury halfway through the second half – and the junior did not return to the game.

Luckily for VCU, with the 2nd-seed locked in the A-10 Tournament locked down, the Rams will have a few days off to recover before playing the winner of Dayton/URI on Friday.  With the status of Hyland and Williams currently unknown, VCU cannot afford an early-tourney loss if they hope to keep their at-large hopes alive, should they fall in the semifinals or championship game.