UT didn’t let its coach down, winning at VCU, a place where Shaka Smart won 163 games.

Smart collects 200th career win against team he led from 2009-15

RICHMOND, Va. — Make no mistake, Shaka Smart loves Richmond.

He spent six incredible seasons coaching Virginia Commonwealth and elevated the program to heights it might never have imagined without him, including an NCAA Final Four berth in 2011.

But the Texas coach likely will never bring his team back to his old home unless absolutely forced. Not after experiencing life on the other side.

In Smart’s first, and likely only, return to the Siegel Center, the Longhorns staved off a furious closing salvo from VCU to escape with a 71-67 win.

It was as charged an atmosphere as one could imagine.

“It’s first time I’ve experienced the crowd here as a visiting coach,” said Smart, who secured his 200th career win, the first 163 coming at VCU from 2009-15. “We always used to talk about, the coaching staff here, talk about how many wins a season this place is worth by itself. Man, going through that tonight when VCU was making their run, it’s as good of an atmosphere as anywhere.” Ah, that run. Texas (6-2) had used the second half ’s opening minutes to seize a commanding 57-38 lead. Andrew Jones was scoring at will, finishing with a careerhigh 19 points. Dylan Osetkowski bullied defenders in the post, and Mo Bamba (13 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks) dominated inside with his length.

But with 11:59 remaining in the game, it all came unraveled. VCU (5-4) embarked on a 25-5 run and took its first lead of the night (63-62) on Khris Lane’s 3-pointer with about four minutes to go.

UT’s excruciating struggles from the free-throw line continued. The Longhorns hit just 12 of 22 on the night, though Eric Davis Jr. (11 points) hit three in the final 25 seconds to finally end the Rams’ hopes.

Davis wouldn’t have had the chance had Ostekowski (17 points, seven rebounds) not drilled a contested corner 3-pointer to put UT up 67-63 about 30 seconds earlier.

Still, UT recovered and earned a win in a place most power conference teams avoid like the plague. And the crowd, at least before the game, was exceedingly cordial toward its former coach.

“I’m appreciative of Mike for recommending that people be nice,” Smart said of VCU coach Mike Rhoades, his former assistant of five years. “The power of suggestion is really strong.”

And as long as Smart remains in charge, he’ll likely suggest Texas avoid making any return trips to Richmond.