Williams makes tough go-ahead shot, VCU tops Dayton 77-72
WASHINGTON -- Jonathan Williams scored five of his 14 points in the last 58 seconds, breaking a late tie with a tough shot in a crowd and pushing Virginia Commonwealth to a 77-72 victory over Dayton in the second round of the Atlantic 10 Tournament on Thursday.
No. 9 seed VCU (18-14) meets 25th-ranked and top-seeded Rhode Island, the defending A-10 Tournament champion, in the quarterfinal round Friday.
Dayton had grabbed a 70-65 lead with three minutes left before VCU rallied. De'Riante Jenkins hit his third 3-pointer of the game, and Issac Vann knotted the physical contest at 70-70.
After Dayton turned the ball over on a shot-clock violation, Williams backed his way inside through a crowd, made a spin move in the paint and his scoop shot put the Rams ahead for good.
VCU harried Dayton into two shot-clock violations, made a steal and grabbed a big defensive board in the last two minutes.
Justin Tillman led the Rams with 15 points and 10 rebounds, his 17th double-double, Jenkins and Sean Mobley scored 11 apiece and Vann 10.
Trey Landers led Dayton (14-17) with 19 points, Josh Cunningham 17, Darrell Davis 14. The Flyers trio of Cunningham, Davis and Jalen Crutcher, were all playing with four fouls.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Sean Hull
- Mark Schnur
- Justin Porterfield
2023-24 Atlantic 10 Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 15-3 | - | 23-10 |
| Loyola Chicago | 15-3 | - | 23-10 |
| Dayton | 14-4 | 1 | 25-8 |
| Massachusetts | 11-7 | 4 | 20-11 |
| VCU | 11-7 | 4 | 24-14 |
| Duquesne | 10-8 | 5 | 25-12 |
| George Mason | 9-9 | 6 | 20-12 |
| St. Bonaventure | 9-9 | 6 | 20-13 |
| Saint Joseph's | 9-9 | 6 | 21-14 |
| La Salle | 6-12 | 9 | 16-17 |
| Fordham | 6-12 | 9 | 13-20 |
| Rhode Island | 6-12 | 9 | 12-20 |
| Davidson | 5-13 | 10 | 15-17 |
| Saint Louis | 5-13 | 10 | 13-20 |
| George Washington | 4-14 | 11 | 15-17 |
Men's College Basketball News