WASHINGTON — In a tense showdown for the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament crown, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) emerged victorious over George Mason University with a final score of 66-63 on Sunday. Crucial to VCU’s success was Max Shulga, who scored 18 points, and Joe Bamisile, who clinched the victory by sinking two free throws in the waning moments of the game.
The match commenced with VCU taking a lead into halftime, 36-28. George Mason, however, showed resilience, reducing the deficit with consecutive three-pointers from Jared Billups and Woody Newton, closing in at 45-43 with a little over 12 minutes left on the clock. But Shulga was quick to respond, hitting a three-pointer himself and converting two free throws before assisting Jack Clark in nailing another three-pointer to extend VCU’s lead to 53-43.
George Mason’s Darius Maddox reignited hope for his team with a clutch three-pointer, bringing them within a single point at 59-58 with just 2:27 left. Shulga, undeterred, confidently sank a step-back three-pointer with less than two minutes remaining. While Jalen Haynes’ layup inched George Mason closer, making it 66-63, Zach Anderson’s missed three-pointer in the dying seconds left George Mason short of completing their comeback, resulting in Woody Newton fouling Bamisile in a last-ditch effort.
Bamisile and Jack Clark both contributed significantly to VCU’s tally, securing 17 points each. Shulga, honored as the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, demonstrated his shooting prowess by making 8 out of 9 free throws, helping VCU stay efficient from the line, converting 22 of their 27 attempts.
George Mason saw a valiant effort from Haynes, who led the team with 17 points and eight rebounds. Maddox chipped in with 12 points and three steals, while Anderson and Brayden O’Connor each added 10 points to the scoreboard.
Both teams had concluded the regular season as co-champions, boasting identical 15-3 records. With this win, VCU advanced to the conference championship game for the ninth time since their entry into the Atlantic 10 back in the 2012-13 season.
