VCU's men of steal gave Saint Louis hell on the defensive end, but it was ultimately their shooting that failed them in their 56-62 loss in the A-10 championship. VCU shot just 34% from the field to Saint Louis' 45% and despite making one more field goal than VCU, the Billikens shot 12 more free throws.
Despite his passing on Dec. 1, Saint Louis' first A-10 conference championship in school history is a tribute to Rick Majerus' legacy. However, credit should also be heaped on interim head coach, Jim Crews. Crews took over in difficult circumstances after Majerus stepped aside as his health began failing. He may have done enough to keep a head coaching job on a permanent basis since his awkward dismissal from Army in 2009.
“I’ve said all year to anyone who would listen to me, and even people who wouldn’t, how good Saint Louis is," Butler coach Brad Stevens told ESPN.com. “They’re a legitimate contender to win the whole thing. I believe that wholeheartedly."
Congrats to the #SaintLouis Rams, the 2013 #A10MBB Champions! twitter.com/barclayscenter…
— Barclays Center (@barclayscenter) March 17, 2013
Crews told me his team (St. Louis) was abnormally laid back. You can see it even in their muted celebration. es.pn/ZL1rAd
— Shane Ryan (@ShaneRyanHere) March 17, 2013
#VCU shot 34%, 17% from 3, had 12 fewer fts, turned it over 13 times…still went down to the wire with the 16th ranked team in the country.
— Phil Orban (@philorban) March 17, 2013
RT @lanecbs6: St Louis beats #vcu 62-56. Just the 4th team this year to hold @vcuathletics under 60 pts
— CBS 6 WTVR Richmond (@CBS6) March 17, 2013
#vcu playing hella chaotic defense but can't shoot a damn thing against these slu giants
— Six Foot Sports Nut (@tazc23) March 17, 2013
Congrats on the win but you're still the pelicans with a linebacker playing point guard and and shooting guard with blue hair #vcu
— Wilton Speight (@WiltonSpeight) March 17, 2013
This was #VCU's first loss on the year when forcing 15+ turnovers.
— Ben Weixlmann (@BWeixScout) March 17, 2013
