VCU has indeed shocked the world and advanced to the 2011 Final Four. The Rams, who many felt didn’t even deserve to be in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, shocked the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks, 71-61, completing a stunning run through the Southwest region of the NCAA bracket.
Final Four 2011: VCU Shocks Kansas, Completes Stunning March Madness Run
The Rams led by as many as 18 points in the first half, but Kansas rallied in the second half, cutting the deficit to two points at one point. But VCU showed character, responding to the run and eventually putting the Jayhawks away.
Tyshawn Taylor hit one of two free throws to cut the lead to 63-57, before Joey Rodriguez made the biggest play of the night, finding Bradford Burgess backdoor on a lob with the shot clock winding down to push the lead back to eight points. Marcus Morris quickly got two back with a layup with 1:40 remaining, and Burgess threw the ball away, but Kansas couldn’t take advantage. Jamie Skeen stripped Marcus Morris, fell on the floor and called timeout to give VCU the ball back with 1:11 remaining. Kansas’ last gasp came when Tyrel Reed missed a three-pointer down 66-59.
VCU now advances to face Butler, in a Final Four matchup nobody could have possibly predicted. This also ensures that no No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four.
VCU fans should celebrate at Mid Majority Madness and SB Nation D.C., while Jayhawks fans should visit Rock Chalk Talk and SB Nation Kansas City.
More 2011 March Madness resources: Visit our NCAA Tournament hub for up-to-date news and information ... updated printable NCAA 2011 Tournament bracket ... the full NCAA Tournament schedule.
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