Finally, VCU basketball got their slipper smashed. It was bound to happen. In what was billed as the undercard to a heavyweight fight, VCU fell to Butler 70-62 in the Final Four in Houston, Texas.
VCU leaned on inside and outside threat Jamie Skeen with 25 points, six rebounds and three assists. Trailing by seven under 3 minutes to play, Skeen nailed a corner shot from 3 point range and was fouled to cut the lead to only foul points. The Rams would get no closer and committed a critical turnover with less than 50 seconds remaining to end their chances.
Butler was led by Shelvin Mack who scored 23 points on a highly efficient 8-11 shooting and draining five huge 3 point baskets. Matt Howard struggled with second half foul trouble and tough FG shooting but was able to score 17 points and 8 rebounds. The Bulldogs struggled from the field shooting 36 percent from the field but were able to convert FTs late to seal the win.
Butler faces the winner of the UCONN vs. Kentucky matchup on Monday night for the NCAA Men’s Basketball title.