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Tribe Trips Up the Rams

This time around, William & Mary didn't need a clutch three-pointer to win. Just a short two-point basket to pull off the biggest upset of the CAA tournament.

No. 1 Virginia Commonwealth University became the latest victim of No. 5 William & Mary's late-game heroics in the Tribe's 56-54 win Sunday.

For the Tribe, the win clinches the team's first-ever visit to the CAA finals since the league started play in 1983.

"It's an amazing win for our club," said CAA Coach of the Year Tony Shaver . "What else can I say?"

He could (and did) say that the three wins so far in the tournament have been all about team play.

On Friday night, David Schneider hit a clutch three-pointer to send the team to a one-point win over No. 12 Georgia State. On Saturday, it was Nathan Mann hitting a late three to notch a three-point win over No. 5 Old Dominion.

On Sunday, it was Laimis Kisielius hitting a basket with three seconds to go to send VCU home.

"I'm just very proud of our team," Shaver said. "It's been a team effort from beginning to end."

VCU struggled from the field early on, but took a 28-22 point lead into the half. But William & Mary came out hot in the second half, jumping out to a 37-32 lead.

The Rams battled back, going on an 11-2 run, led by two three-pointers from Eric Maynor .

Following a William & Mary timeout, the Tribe notched six straight points, including a three-pointer from Kisielius. After a media timeout, Kisielius stayed hot, hitting another three to extend the lead to 51-43.

VCU battled back and tied the score on another Maynor three.

After trading three-pointers, William & Mary ran the shot clock down to 1 second before Laimis hit the clutch shot with only a few seconds to play.

A last-second shot from VCU fell just short.

"I have nothing to lose when I go out there," said Laimis, who led all scorers with 23 points.

Shaver compared his team's win to that of the New York Giants in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. He said despite two loses to VCU during the season, the team gained a lot of confidence. (The Giants had lost to the Patriots in the regular-season finale in a close game.)

"I thought William & Mary was outstanding today," said VCU head coach Anthony Grant . "They've really grown as the season went along on the defensive end."

Maynor lead the Rams with 16 points, including hitting four of seven three-pointers. Jamal Shuler added 13 points.

Grant remained mum on what the future may hold for the Rams and a possible berth in the NCAA tournament, but said he's looking forward to playing again.

"Whenever we play, whoever we play, whatever tournament we play in, we'll be excited to play," Grant said.

The loss brings the Rams record to 24-7, and ends the chance at an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. The NCAA makes its selections for the 65-team team field on March 16.

For the Tribe, who came into the tournament losing six of seven regular season games, their season continues at 7 p.m. Monday in the CAA Championship game. They'll face No. 3 George Mason.

w Hoopin' at the CAA 2008 CAA Basketball Tournament : Our RBlog takes you on a journey through the tournament.

w First round action : Northeastern, Delaware, William & Mary and Towson capture wins on day one.

w VCU takes on Towson : Highlights of Saturday's first quarterfinal matchup.

w Quarterfinal action : William & Mary, UNC Wilmington and George Mason advance.