12th-seeded VCU shocks Shockers of Wichita St.
Joe Ragland #1 of the Wichita State Shockers passes the ball as he is covered by Briante Weber #2 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams in the first half. (March 15, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Shaka Smart's team pulled off the first major surprise of the NCAA Tournament.
Yup, VCU is back again.
Bradford Burgess hit a key three-pointer with 1:33 left and 12th-seeded Virginia Commonwealth held off fifth-seeded Wichita State, 62-59, last night in the South Regional.
Last year, VCU made it to the Final Four with wins over Georgetown, Purdue, Florida State and Kansas. The Rams were just the third No. 11 seed to reach the Final Four.
VCU (29-6), which faces fourth-seeded Indiana tomorrow, had to hold on last night after leading by as many as 13. Wichita State (26-6) had a chance to force overtime in the closing seconds, but Garrett Stutz missed a three-pointer. -- AP
