In a commanding performance at the Veterans Classic, VCU triumphed over Boston College with a score of 80-55, thanks to standout contributions from Phillip Russell, who netted 20 points, and Joe Bamisile, who added 18 points to the scoreboard on Friday night in Annapolis, Maryland.
VCU improved their record to 2-0 for the season and now holds a 30-54 all-time record against teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This victory adds to their previous encounter with Boston College, where VCU secured a 69-50 win on December 28, 2013, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. On the other hand, Boston College’s record drops to 1-1, marking a 37-42 standing against Atlantic 10 teams.
From the outset, Christian Fermin set the pace by scoring the initial four points of the game, allowing VCU to take an early lead that they would never relinquish. Bamisile played a pivotal role in extending VCU’s lead, concluding a 15-2 run that established a double-digit advantage with ten minutes remaining in the first half.
As the second half commenced, Russell and Bamisile quickly collaborated to score the first four points, maintaining a comfortable lead of at least 15 points, which eventually swelled to 30 at its peak. Boston College’s shooting struggles were evident; they managed only 29% from the field, including a dismal 2 of 11 from beyond the arc. Additionally, they missed 10 of their 29 attempts at the free-throw line.
VCU, regarded as the preseason favorite in the Atlantic 10 conference, boasts a significant return of talent with 65% of their scoring from last season’s squad that finished at 24-14. The team retains three starters from last season while six of their seven returnees logged significant playing time during the past season.
Along with Russell and Bamisile’s contributions, Fermin chipped in with 12 points, while Max Shulga notched up a solid performance with nine points and 10 rebounds.
For Boston College, Donald Hand Jr. led with 17 points and eight rebounds, and Roger McFarlane provided a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 11 rebounds. This match marked Boston College’s inaugural appearance at the Veterans Classic, while VCU made their return for a second time.