Game 6 - Ohio State vs. VCU 2015

Our next first round matchup takes us way back to 2015.  VCU had been the mid-major darling of recent years, even reaching the 2011 Final Four,  Led by coach Shaka Smart and his "Havoc" defense predicated on full court pressure creating a high tempo game, the Rams were particularly dangerous in a tournament format, where teams had limited time to prepare.  The Buckeyes were a deep team, led by All-American and current Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell  Russell had met little resistance to this point in his Freshman season as a dribbler and creator.  Havoc vs. Russell was the stylistic clash great fights are made of.

VCU actually abandoned Havoc in this game as Russell was able to go wherever he wanted with the ball.  In a lot of ways, this game cemented Russell's NBA stock.  That's not to say this game was a blowout at all.  VCU was a talented and well coached team, and they kept counter punching, forcing overtime, but in the end, Russell and the Buckeyes were too much, coming out with a 75-72 victory.  Here are the highlights.


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