Score: VCU 76, Dayton 67
Location: Dayton, Ohio (UD Arena)
Records: VCU 14-4 (7-2 A-10), Dayton 11-6 (7-5)
 
The short story: Junior forward Vince Williams and sophomore guard Bones Hyland poured in 19 points apiece to lead VCU to a critical Atlantic 10 Conference road victory Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio.
 
OPENING TIP

• Williams hit 7-of-14 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range on the way to a career-high scoring night. The Toledo, Ohio native provided 13 points in the first half alone to help stake the Rams to a 41-39 lead
• Hyland supplied 14 of his 19 in the second half as VCU held off the Flyers. He was 3-of-5 from 3-point range and played all 40 minutes in the contest
• Senior forward Levi Stockard III and freshman guard Ace Baldwin added 10 points each to the VCU cause. Baldwin added three assists and a pair of steals
• Ibi Watson led Dayton with 20 points

THE DIFFERENCE

• VCU committed a season-low eight turnovers, while forcing 16 Dayton miscues. The Rams outscored the Flyers 29-8 off turnovers
• In addition to ball security, the Rams were a picture of offensive efficiency. VCU shot 50 percent (27-of-54) from the field in the game, including 52 percent (12-of-23) from the 3-point line. VCU also finished 10-of-11 at the charity stripe
• The Black and Gold trailed for most of the first half, but Williams nailed back-to-back 3-pointers during a 10-0 VCU run that provided the Rams with a 39-38 lead with 2:36 left in the first
• Dayton pulled within 66-65 with 5:59 left, but Hyland scored seven straight VCU points, including a long 3-pointer from the wing, to give the Rams a 73-67 cushion with 3:16 remaining

NOTABLE

• VCU has defeated Dayton twice this season, including a 66-43 triumph at the Siegel Center on Jan. 23. The Rams are 13-7 all-time against the Flyers
• The Rams have won four straight games overall. VCU improved to 5-1 on the road in the A-10 play. The Rams were 3-6 on the road in league games last season
• Hyland became the first VCU player since JeQuan Lewis at Liberty on Nov. 15, 2016 to play all 40 minutes in a game
• VCU was without the services of starting forward Corey Douglas, who is nursing an ankle injury

NEXT UP
The stage is set for a first-place clash with St. Bonaventure on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Siegel Center. That contest will air on ESPN2.