Saint Louis Rallies to Stun VCU in 59-56 Comeback Victory

Richmond, VA – The VCU Rams suffered a heartbreaking 59-56 loss to the Saint Louis Billikens on Thursday afternoon, surrendering a 16-point lead in the third quarter. Despite dominating the boards with a 41-33 rebounding advantage—led by Mykel Parham’s 16 rebounds—VCU struggled with costly turnovers (16) and inefficient shooting (32.7% from the field), allowing Saint Louis to stay within striking distance.

The Rams were led by Grace Hutson and Mary-Anna Asare, who each scored 17 points. However, they could not close the game as the Billikens capitalized on their late-game momentum. Brooklyn Gray led Saint Louis with 14 points, including the game-sealing free throws in the final moments.

VCU opened the game on an 8-0 run, fueled by a pair of three-pointers from Grace Hutson. A layup by Hutson extended the Rams' lead to 15-8 with 4:03 left in the first quarter. Mary-Anna Asare later connected from beyond the arc, giving VCU its largest lead of the quarter at 20-10 with 1:45 remaining. The Rams finished the period ahead 22-14 and maintained control in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a 33-24 advantage.

The Rams carried their momentum into the second half, stretching their lead to 40-24 with 7:58 left in the third quarter—their largest of the game. However, their offense stalled, as Valentina Ojeda’s three-pointer at 4:02 was their last field goal of the quarter. Saint Louis took full advantage, ending the period on a 10-0 run, capped by Shun’Teria Anumele’s buzzer-beating three-pointer, cutting the deficit to 46-43.

The Billikens continued their surge in the fourth quarter. After a pair of free throws from Mykel Parham briefly extended VCU’s lead, Saint Louis responded with a 6-0 run, highlighted by a layup from Hannah Wallace to give the Billikens a 49-48 lead with 6:01 remaining. VCU regained control momentarily as Jennifer Ezeh hit free throws and a layup, putting the Rams ahead 55-52 with 1:53 left.

Saint Louis answered quickly. Brooklyn Gray’s layup cut the deficit to one, and Tierra Simon’s basket with 32 seconds remaining gave the Billikens a 57-55 lead. Gray then sank two clutch free throws to secure the 59-56 victory for Saint Louis. With the loss, VCU falls to 10-15 overall and 4-9 in A-10 play. The Rams will look to bounce back as they head to New York to face Fordham on Sunday, February 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

VCU Overpowers La Salle with Second-Half Surge

Richmond, VA – Following a 41-point victory over the Richmond Spiders, the VCU Rams returned to the Siegel Center on Tuesday evening, defeating the La Salle Explorers 96-66. Joe Bamisile led the Rams with 17 points, while Tunde Valberg Fasasi paced the Explorers with 11 points.

La Salle briefly held the lead early as Daeshon Shepherd connected on a three-point play, putting the Explorers up 3-0. The Rams responded with an 8-0 run fueled by a pair of three-pointers from Jack Clark and Max Shulga, along with a layup by Joe Bamisile, giving VCU an 8-3 lead with 16:48 remaining in the first half. The Explorers countered as Mac Etienne’s layup capped a 6-0 run to put La Salle ahead 9-8. Daeshon Shepherd’s layup with 12:08 remaining in the first half tied the game at 16.

VCU quickly regained control with a 13-0 run sparked by Brandon Jennings, who scored five points during the stretch, pushing the Rams ahead 29-16. They maintained their advantage throughout the first half, taking a 48-28 lead into the break.

The Rams continued their dominance in the second half, scoring 19 consecutive points to extend their lead to 77-38 with 11:26 remaining. Terrence Hill Jr.’s three-pointer gave VCU its largest lead of the night at 85-45. The Rams controlled the game the rest of the way, ultimately cruising to a 96-66 victory.

Now 18-5 overall and 8-2 in Atlantic 10 play, VCU will face Dayton on Friday, February 7, at UD Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

Rams Make Statement with Largest Win in Rivalry History

Richmond, VA – The VCU Rams delivered a commanding performance against their crosstown rivals, the Richmond Spiders, securing a dominant 90-49 win. The Rams shot 64.7% from the field and 55% from three-point range while forcing 15 Spiders turnovers, which they converted into 25 points.

The 41-point victory marks the largest margin in the 94-game series history and the highest point total the Rams have scored this season. Max Shulga led VCU with 20 points, while Dusan Neskovic paced the Spiders with 12.

Richmond briefly held the lead early when B. Artis White completed a three-point play, giving the Spiders a 3-2 advantage with 17:55 remaining in the first half. However, it would be their only lead of the game. The Rams quickly responded with a 12-0 run, capped by a Joe Bamisile dunk, to go up 14-3.

VCU extended its lead as Zeb Jackson knocked down two free throws to finish a 6-0 run, pushing the score to 24-7. Jackson later added two three-pointers, Christian Fermin’s layup & Shulga drained another from beyond the arc as they went on an 11-0 run to close the first half, sending them into the break with a commanding 44-13 advantage.

Bamisile opened the second half with a three-pointer, extending VCU’s run to 14-0—its largest of the game—giving the Rams a 47-13 lead. Richmond attempted to respond as White’s jumper capped an 8-0 Spiders run, cutting the deficit to 47-21 with 17:40 remaining. However, VCU quickly regained momentum, with Shulga drilling a three-pointer to cap an 11-0 run and extend the Rams’ lead to 63-26.

The Rams maintained control for the remainder of the game, ultimately cruising to a 90-49 victory.

Now 17-5 overall and 7-2 in Atlantic 10 play, VCU will face La Salle on Tuesday, February 4, at the Siegel Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.