Hayden Braun, Staff Writer
VCU faced a major overhaul this offseason with new transfers, senior players graduating and a new coaching staff. Many were optimistic for the Rams heading into the season; but figured it would be a rebuilding year after an inconsistent start.
Throughout the first 10 games, the Rams were sitting at 6-4. With losses to Utah State University, the University of New Mexico and two ranked teams being No. 25 NC State and No. 24 Vanderbilt. These games were competitive but exposed a lot of the Rams’ inconsistencies.
Now we are nearing the end of the season and the conversation feels almost entirely different.
VCU at the time of writing this is currently 20-6 and 11-2 in conference play sitting at second place right behind one-loss Saint Louis University who is 12-0 in conference play. The Rams are on a nine game win streak and look like the best team in the Atlantic 10 heading through these final stretch of games.
The turning point this season came when the Rams had back-to-back conference losses to Saint Louis and George Mason University back in early January. In both losses the Rams were shooting under 50% from the field and inconsistent on all fronts.
The Rams have caught fire after those losses. This version of VCU looks deeper and more reliable offensively than how they were playing earlier this season. The Rams have had numerous wins with multiple players in double digits. The breakout of second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. has been key for the Rams’ success.
In conference play alone, Hill Jr. has posted multiple 20-point performances, including 24 against Loyola University Chicago and 21 against Duquesne University. Third-year forward Lazar Djokovic has matched that consistency, scoring 26 at La Salle University and 23 at George Mason earlier in the year, according to ESPN.
The remaining schedule will determine whether VCU can catch Saint Louis for the regular-season title. The Rams end the season with road games at Saint Louis and the University of Dayton, plus home matchups against George Washington University, Fordham University and George Mason.
The rematch at Saint Louis looms as the biggest matchup. The Billikens are 24-1 overall and undefeated in conference play. If VCU wants to claim the A-10 regular season crown, that is the game that must flip from the first matchup.
George Mason also returns to the Siegel Center on March 3. The Patriots handed VCU one of its two conference losses in Fairfax. Revenge at home could solidify the Rams as a top-two seed in the A-10 Tournament.
Realistically, even if Saint Louis remains perfect, VCU is positioned to finish no worse than second in the regular season standings. At 10-2 with six games left, a 14-4 or 15-3 conference finish is within reach.
As for the A-10 Tournament, VCU’s depth and current momentum make them a legitimate championship threat. The Rams have shown they can win in multiple ways, shootouts like the 99-73 win over Dayton or defensive grinders like the 63-59 victory at Fordham.
March Madness? That likely hinges on the conference tournament. Saint Louis’ 24-1 record gives it little room for error. VCU, sitting at 19-6 are going to have to win out.
The slow start feels like the past now. The team that dropped four of its first 10 games has evolved into one of the hottest teams in the conference.
If VCU can keep the momentum going, there’s a chance it can make a push this March.