First Half: Slow Start, Tough Defense
The game began with the Bonnies coming out strong, opening on a 5-0 run that set the tone early. VCU struggled offensively, shooting just 3 of 15 (20%) from the floor at the under-12 timeout and going a frustrating 2 of 10 on layups.Max Shulga provided a bright spot with a milestone three-pointer at the 10:26 mark, marking the 200th of his career. Moments later, Phillip Russell drained a triple from the wing to give VCU its first lead at 16-15 during an 8-0 Rams run.
However, the momentum was short-lived. VCU went scoreless over the final 3:45 of the half, allowing the Bonnies to close on a 6-0 run and take a 33-25 lead into halftime. St. Bonaventure dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle 29-12, and punished the Rams in the paint with 24 points in the first 20 minutes.
Second Half: A Surge of Energy
The Rams stormed out of the locker room with a 12-2 run to open the second half. Joe Bamisile tied the game at 35 with his first bucket of the night and followed up with a floater to give VCU a 37-35 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.Phillip Russell caught fire, hitting three triples after the break, finishing with 16 points. Jack Clark and Max Shulga each added double-digit scoring, while Bamisile exploded for all 18 of his points in the second half, including a highlight-reel dunk that electrified the crowd.
Turning Defense into Offense
VCU capitalized on St. Bonaventure’s mistakes, scoring 17 points off 16 Bonnies turnovers. The Rams also dominated in transition, racking up 22 fast-break points compared to just 5 for the Bonnies.Despite being out-rebounded overall (38-30), VCU's defense stepped up when it mattered, shutting down the Bonnies’ paint dominance in the second half.
Red-Hot Shooting Seals the Deal
The Rams caught fire offensively in the second half, shooting a blistering 62% from the floor (16-26) and matching that from deep (8-13). Overall, VCU finished shooting 44.8% from the field and 45.8% from beyond the arc, far outpacing the Bonnies’ 43.9% and 21.1%, respectively.Key Stats and Notes
- Standout Performances: Joe Bamisile (18 points, all in the second half), Phillip Russell (16 points, 4 second-half triples), Jack Clark (12 points), and Max Shulga (13 points).
- Efficiency: VCU committed just six turnovers while forcing 16 from St. Bonaventure.
- Fast-Break Advantage: VCU outscored the Bonnies 22-5 in transition.
- Home Streak Intact: The Rams remain undefeated at the Siegel Center this season.
- Streak Watch: VCU’s sixth consecutive win keeps them tied for first in the conference with George Mason.
