Washington, DC–The atmosphere was electric on the hardwood at the Capital One Area as VCU and Loyola Chicago squared off in the Atlantic 10 Championship semifinals, with both teams hungry for a spot in the final. A tense battle from start to finish, the game was a masterclass in high-stakes postseason basketball, and the Rams held off the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in a nail-biting contest that had fans on the edge of their seats.
First Half: VCU’s Defensive Tenacity
The game kicked off with both teams trading early blows, but VCU’s defense quickly became the defining factor. Known for their aggressive, full-court press, the Rams didn’t disappoint. They pressured Loyola’s ball handlers from the very start, forcing a series of turnovers that allowed them to grab an early lead. VCU’s defensive prowess was complemented by an efficient offense, led by the steady hand of senior guard, Ace Baldwin, who orchestrated the offense with precision.
Loyola Chicago, however, didn’t back down. Behind a strong performance from sophomore guard Braden Norris, the Ramblers fought to keep the game within reach. Norris hit several clutch threes, and Loyola’s defense began to settle in as they minimized easy looks for VCU. But the first half ended with the Rams holding a slim 35-30 lead, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance.
Second Half: Loyola Chicago’s Fightback
Coming out of the locker room, Loyola Chicago showed renewed energy. A fast-paced tempo and excellent ball movement allowed them to quickly close the gap. Senior forward Philip Alston provided the muscle in the paint, scoring key buckets to keep the Ramblers within striking distance. His inside presence was a challenge for VCU’s defense, as he put up 15 points in the second half alone.
VCU, though, maintained their cool. Baldwin and forward Jalen DeLoach combined for timely baskets, including a critical three-pointer from Baldwin that seemed to momentarily stun Loyola Chicago’s momentum. However, with just over two minutes left on the clock, the Ramblers cut the deficit to a mere two points, making it a one-possession game. The tension in the air was palpable as both teams battled fiercely to keep their championship dreams alive.
The Final Stretch: VCU Holds Strong
With the game hanging in the balance, VCU’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. After a missed three-pointer from Loyola’s Norris, Baldwin calmly drained a free throw to extend VCU’s lead to three. Loyola Chicago had one final opportunity to tie the game, but a last-second heave from deep fell short, and the buzzer sounded with VCU emerging victorious, 68-65.
Key Players:
Ace Baldwin (VCU): The senior guard finished with 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, showcasing why he’s one of the top playmakers in the conference. His leadership in both transition and half-court sets was pivotal in keeping the Rams in control.
Braden Norris (Loyola Chicago): Norris played a pivotal role in keeping Loyola Chicago in the game, contributing 20 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. His perimeter shooting was especially dangerous in the first half.
Philip Alston (Loyola Chicago): Alston was a force in the paint, recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. His physical play inside was a major asset for the Ramblers as they made their late push.
Looking Ahead:
With the win, VCU punches their ticket to the A-10 Championship final, where they will face either Dayton or St. Louis. This victory marks an important milestone for the Rams, who will now look to continue their momentum and claim the conference crown.
For Loyola Chicago, it’s a heartbreaking loss, but their resilience throughout the game has left a mark. They’ll look to regroup and build on their strong finish to the season as they await their next opportunity in postseason play.
As the tournament progresses, VCU has proven they’re a team to be reckoned with, and their defense-first mentality will serve them well as they continue their march toward the A-10 title. With a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line, every game from here on out promises to be as thrilling as this semifinal showdown.
