Overview
Max Shulga tied his career high with 29 points to lead VCU to a decisive 35-point victory over Georgia Southern on Wednesday night. The graduate guard’s efficient shooting, combined with strong contributions from the Rams’ bench, proved too much for the Eagles.
Key Performers
- Shulga was unstoppable from deep, knocking down six of eight three-point attempts as part of a 7-for-10 shooting night.
- Phillip Russell added 17 points, going 8-for-8 at the free-throw line.
- Fats Billups provided energy off the bench with 14 points and six rebounds, connecting on four of five three-point attempts.
- Freshman forward Luke Bamgboye had his best defensive showing this season, tallying five blocks alongside four points and four rebounds.
- Georgia Southern’s Eugene Brown III led the Eagles with 13 points.
Game Breakdown
VCU set the tone early, with Shulga scoring nine of the team’s first 11 points. The Rams carried a 39-31 lead into halftime but exploded in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 50-23. VCU’s defense clamped down, holding Georgia Southern to 20% shooting in the final 20 minutes and forcing tough shots from beyond the arc.
A 12-1 run to start the second half, sparked by a Joe Bamisile three-pointer, put the game firmly in VCU’s control. Shulga added five points during that stretch, and the Rams never looked back.
Notable Stats
- VCU held Georgia Southern to just 30% shooting overall, including 6-for-21 from three.
- The Eagles’ 23 second-half points were their lowest in a single half this season.
- Shulga’s 29 points mark his highest scoring output as a Ram.
- Bamgboye’s defensive presence continues to grow, as he is averaging 7.6 blocks per 40 minutes.
Next Up
The Rams return to the Siegel Center on Monday, Dec. 9, to face the University of Pennsylvania. Tip-off is at 7 PM, with the game airing on MASN and ESPN+.
