There was a time when VCU was the big play team in the CAA. Need a basket, need a steal, someone would come up with a play.

Lately, though, that big play ability has left the Rams and they have dropped their last four conference games. The two to George Mason and Old Dominion were by double figures, but they are the cream of the crop.

The other two were by three and four points, winning able games with a big play here or there.

"They were certainly heartbreakers," coach Shaka Smart said. "We had opportunities to win late in the game but didn't make enough big plays. If it was a week we can learn a great deal from we can use it to our advantage going into our tournament."

With the tournament starting this week, VCU has a clean slate, although the confidence has to be shaken.

"Obviously it's not sky high, coming off a couple of losses," Smart said. "But this group has shown a lot of resiliency in the past and has a lot of internal confidence. This week everyone now turns the page and goes to post-season play. You get a chance to regroup."

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