Despite being outperformed in nearly every statistical category, the VCU Rams (9-2) fought their way to a gritty 76-68 victory over Colorado State in Las Vegas.
Max Shulga notched his seventh career double-double, leading the team with 10 rebounds and adding 20 points. Shulga’s effort on the glass was crucial in a narrow rebounding battle, which VCU edged 32-30. Shulga and Joe Bamisile accounted for a significant share of VCU’s output, combining for 59.4% of the team’s rebounds and 59.2% of the Rams points.
Bamisile was the game’s leading scorer, pouring in 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including a scorching 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. His efficient night contributed heavily to VCU’s 60% three-point shooting (15-of-25).
VCU capitalized on a season-low turnover performance, committing only nine while forcing 12 Colorado State turnovers—eight of which came from steals. This defensive pressure translated into a decisive advantage, despite the Rams allowing CSU to outshoot them from the field overall.
The Rams led by one at halftime (33-32) but opened the second half with a game-changing 8-2 run. Back-to-back threes from Shulga and Bamisile set the tone for a second half that kept Colorado State at bay. VCU also took advantage of 10 second-chance points, maximizing their narrow rebounding advantage to secure extra opportunities.
Fats Billups provided a spark off the bench with eight points, while Jack Clark added a well-rounded effort of six points and six rebounds.
The Rams will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 18th, as they head to Albuquerque, N.M. to take on New Mexico. That game is set to tip at 9pm ET and will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.
Max Shulga notched his seventh career double-double, leading the team with 10 rebounds and adding 20 points. Shulga’s effort on the glass was crucial in a narrow rebounding battle, which VCU edged 32-30. Shulga and Joe Bamisile accounted for a significant share of VCU’s output, combining for 59.4% of the team’s rebounds and 59.2% of the Rams points.
Bamisile was the game’s leading scorer, pouring in 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including a scorching 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. His efficient night contributed heavily to VCU’s 60% three-point shooting (15-of-25).
VCU capitalized on a season-low turnover performance, committing only nine while forcing 12 Colorado State turnovers—eight of which came from steals. This defensive pressure translated into a decisive advantage, despite the Rams allowing CSU to outshoot them from the field overall.
The Rams led by one at halftime (33-32) but opened the second half with a game-changing 8-2 run. Back-to-back threes from Shulga and Bamisile set the tone for a second half that kept Colorado State at bay. VCU also took advantage of 10 second-chance points, maximizing their narrow rebounding advantage to secure extra opportunities.
Fats Billups provided a spark off the bench with eight points, while Jack Clark added a well-rounded effort of six points and six rebounds.
The Rams will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 18th, as they head to Albuquerque, N.M. to take on New Mexico. That game is set to tip at 9pm ET and will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.
