VCU coach praises team despite NCAA Tournament loss

VCU's basketball season ended with an 80-71 loss to BYU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. The game took place in Denver, and it may also mark the end of head coach Ryan Odom's time at VCU. After the game, Odom chose not to discuss his future or any possible coaching offers from other schools. Despite the loss, Odom focused on the positive aspects of the season. He expressed pride in his players and their accomplishments, especially winning the Atlantic 10 championship. "They brought a lot of joy to a lot of people," Odom said. He highlighted the team's impressive 28 wins this season and their ability to succeed under pressure. The game was competitive early on, with both teams tied at 24 points after nearly 13 minutes. However, BYU took control with a 30-10 run. VCU fought back but could not close the gap, finishing nine points behind. Odom acknowledged BYU's strong performance, particularly in scoring inside the paint. He pointed out that the team struggled with turnovers, which hurt their chances in a crucial game. VCU's shooting percentage also dipped to 41.3%. Even with the early exit from the tournament, Odom reflected on the team's achievements. "Every team has one life to live. This team lived a great life," he noted. The players also maintained strong academic performance, achieving a 3.29 GPA in the first semester. Odom expressed gratitude for coaching this dedicated group of young men.