Graduate guards Phillip Russell and Joe Bamisile powered VCU to a 80-55 victory over Boston College on Friday night in the Veterans Classic at the Naval Academy. Their combined 38 points led the Rams to a 2-0 record, keeping VCU undefeated as they showcased their offensive depth and defensive tenacity.
Russell finished with a game-high 20 points on an efficient 5-of-9 from the field, hitting 2-of-5 from three-point range and converting 8-of-12 free throws. Bamisile backed him up with an impressive 18 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a blocked shot. He was effective from deep, hitting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. The Rams also received solid contributions from junior forward Christian Fermin, who scored 12 points and recorded two blocks, and graduate forward Jack Clark, who tallied 10 points and seven rebounds.
VCU’s defense stifled Boston College from the start, holding the Eagles to just 29 percent shooting from the floor (17-of-58), including only 2-of-11 from three-point range. The Rams applied extra pressure in the second half, limiting Boston College to 27 percent shooting and stretching their lead to as much as 30 points. Donald Hand Jr. led Boston College with 17 points, but he and his teammates struggled to find open looks against VCU’s relentless defense.
The Rams took advantage of Boston College’s mistakes, converting 17 Eagles turnovers into 24 points. VCU also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Eagles 46-41. Bamisile provided an early spark with a pair of three-pointers, fueling a 15-2 first-half run that gave VCU a commanding 21-8 lead. Though Boston College trimmed the gap to five points, Russell countered with a personal 5-point burst, and the Eagles never got closer than nine points again.
VCU opened the second half with a 9-2 run, including a Russell three-pointer, to extend their lead to 42-22, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Next Up
The Rams will return to the Siegel Center to host Merrimack on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on MASN and ESPN+.
Russell finished with a game-high 20 points on an efficient 5-of-9 from the field, hitting 2-of-5 from three-point range and converting 8-of-12 free throws. Bamisile backed him up with an impressive 18 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a blocked shot. He was effective from deep, hitting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. The Rams also received solid contributions from junior forward Christian Fermin, who scored 12 points and recorded two blocks, and graduate forward Jack Clark, who tallied 10 points and seven rebounds.
VCU’s defense stifled Boston College from the start, holding the Eagles to just 29 percent shooting from the floor (17-of-58), including only 2-of-11 from three-point range. The Rams applied extra pressure in the second half, limiting Boston College to 27 percent shooting and stretching their lead to as much as 30 points. Donald Hand Jr. led Boston College with 17 points, but he and his teammates struggled to find open looks against VCU’s relentless defense.
The Rams took advantage of Boston College’s mistakes, converting 17 Eagles turnovers into 24 points. VCU also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Eagles 46-41. Bamisile provided an early spark with a pair of three-pointers, fueling a 15-2 first-half run that gave VCU a commanding 21-8 lead. Though Boston College trimmed the gap to five points, Russell countered with a personal 5-point burst, and the Eagles never got closer than nine points again.
VCU opened the second half with a 9-2 run, including a Russell three-pointer, to extend their lead to 42-22, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Next Up
The Rams will return to the Siegel Center to host Merrimack on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on MASN and ESPN+.
