We are approaching the dog days of the conference schedule, which tends to be fun for fans but tough on coaches. It’s when most conferences distances pretenders but it draws contenders closer. That’s where we are with the Atlantic 10.
Dayton leads the league by a half game with a trip to VCU looming. The Rams are coming off a huge win over LaSalle. In the 90-52 win, the current Rams looked a lot like the some of the previous incarnations of Havoc. That last thing you want to do in Siegel Center is allow the Rams to get off to a fast start and that’s what LaSalle did.
The Rams put this one away at halftime getting off to a 42-16 lead and finished off the Explorers, 90-52. When Havoc is really rolling you, see the beauty of unselfish play. Five players scored in double digits led by Justin Tillman’s 16 points, 9 rebounds.
LaSalle was constantly sped up and when you’re not making shots, that gives the Rams a chance to get out and run. Don’t judge the effectiveness of VCU’s defense solely by steals and turnovers caused. Even though 16 forced turnovers is impressive, it doesn’t give VCU’s defense enough credit.
Dayton has run off three straight since their loss at UMass. Each of the wins have been by double digits including a 16 point win over Richmond. Seniors Charles Cooke and Scoochie Smith lead the Flyers. After missing a couple of games, Cooke has responded in a big win. In his return game he scored 9 but has scored double digits in each game since. He heads the team in scoring at 17.8 points per game. Smith has rolled three straight games with double digit scoring. He’s also hot from the three point arc hitting 9 of his last 16 three pointers.
Co-Players of the Week: Marquise Moore (George Mason), Javontae Hawkins (Fordham)
Rookie of the Week: Charlie Brown (Saint Joseph’s)
| TEAM | A-10 | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| Dayton | 6 – 1 | 15 – 4 |
| Richmond | 6 – 2 | 12 – 8 |
| VCU | 5 – 2 | 15 – 5 |
| St. Bonaventure | 5 – 2 | 13 – 6 |
| La Salle | 5 – 2 | 11 – 7 |
| Rhode Island | 4 – 3 | 12 – 7 |
| George Mason | 3 – 4 | 13 – 7 |
| Davidson | 3 – 4 | 10 – 8 |
| George Washington | 3 – 4 | 11 – 9 |
| Fordham | 3 – 4 | 9 – 11 |
| Saint Joseph’s | 2 – 5 | 9 – 10 |
| Massachusetts | 2 – 6 | 12 – 9 |
| Duquesne | 2 – 6 | 9 – 12 |
| Saint Louis | 2 – 6 | 6 – 14 |
