The Massachusetts Minutemen (17-9, 8-6 A-10) easily defeated the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams (17-9, 9-4 A-10) 74-52 on Tuesday night. The Rams still lead the all-time series history 9-4. This is the Minutemen’s first win over VCU since the 2019-2020 season. For the first time, UMass defeated both Richmond and VCU in the same season, and within a week.
Before the game started Tuesday night, UMass held a moment of silence in honor of UMass legend George “Trigger” Burke who had passed away on Wednesday, February 14th at the age of 91. Burke spent two seasons playing at UMass, from 1954-56. He was named to the All-Yankee Conference First and Second teams during his two seasons with UMass. Burke also had three 30+ point games during his time playing at UMass. Trigger is one of six former UMass players to have their jersey number retired, and shared the same number with Julius “Dr. J” Erving who also has their number retired. “Every time we come into practice we see the Trigger Burke jersey retired and stuff like that,” said Josh Cohen on Burke’s legacy. “He was amazing here and amazing in his community. It’s great that we were able to be able to get a win for him tonight.”
Photo Credit: Chris Tucci, UMass Athletics
Burke has given back to the UMass community by donating money to UMass Athletics to revamp the UMass Hall of Fame and money that went towards building the Newman Center building. “He’s one of the pioneers of UMass basketball,” said UMass head coach Frank Martin on Burke’s legacy. “He cared about this place like not too many people do. This was [a] part of his life, and the reason that’s important… and people like Trigger Burke and all the alums that have done so many great things.” George “Trigger” Burke will be missed by the UMass community, may he rest in peace.
The Minutemen had full control of the game from start to finish and never trailed. VCU struggled from the field through the first twelve minutes of the game. The Rams went 0-14 from the field in that timeframe, only making free throws in that stretch. That allowed UMass to take control of the game, which never let the Rams fully get into the game. VCU would get the lead down to ten points several times throughout the game but was never into single digits.
The Rams had two players in double-figure scoring on Tuesday night. Joe Bamisile led the way for VCU with 13 points and 4 rebounds, and Max Shulga had 10 points and 5 rebounds to round out scorers in double digits. Alphonzo Billups III had 8 points, Toibu Lawal had 6 points and 7 rebounds, Jason Nelson had 5 points, Roosevelt Wheeler had 4 points, and Kuany Kuany, Christian Fermin, and Zeb Jackson each had 2 points to round out scorers in double digits. While Sean Bairstow did not score on the night he still contributed 8 rebounds and 6 assists for his team.
The Minutemen had three players in double-figure scoring. Cohen led the way for UMass with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Matt Cross had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Rahsool Diggins had 10 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals to round out scorers in double digits. Jaylen Curry had 9 points, Jayden Ndjigue had 7 points and 5 rebounds, Daniel Hankins-Sanford had 4 points and 5 rebounds, Keon Thompson had 4 points, and Tyler Mason had 2 points to round out all scorers. Rollie Castineyra, Ryan Marcus, Marqui Worthy, and Robert Davis Jr. all saw minutes against VCU.
UMass remains at home in the Mullins Center to face the Saint Bonaventure Bonnies (16-9, 7-6 A-10) on Saturday, February 24th at 2:30pm on USA Network/Peacock. This is the second meeting of the season, and the Bonnies won 79-73 earlier in February. This will be the 77th meeting between these two teams, and the Minutemen have a 42-34 lead in the series history over the Bonnies.
VCU travels back to the Siegel Center to face the Saint Joseph’s Hawks (16-10, 6-7 A-10) on Sunday, February 25th at 4pm on CBSSN. This will be the 17th meeting between these two teams, and the Rams have an 11-5 lead in the series history over the Hawks.
Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Scoreboard for Tuesday, February 20th:
- The Davidson Wildcats (15-11, 5-8) defeated the Fordham Rams (10-16, 4-9) 68-53.
- The Duquesne Dukes (16-10, 6-7) defeated the Saint Louis Billikens (9-17, 2-11) 81-66.
- The Massachusetts Minutemen (17-9, 8-6) defeated the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams (17-9, 9-4) 74-52.
Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Upcoming Schedule:
- Wednesday, February 21st
- Saint Bonaventure Bonnies (16-9, 7-6) at La Salle Explorers (12-14, 3-10) at 6:30pm on ESPN+.
- #16 Dayton Flyers (21-4, 11-2) at George Mason Patriots (17-8, 6-6) at 7pm on ESPN+.
- Richmond Spiders (18-7, 10-2) at Rhode Island Rams (11-14, 5-7) at 7pm on ESPN+.
- George Washington Revolutionaries (14-11, 3-9) at Saint Joseph’s Hawks at 7pm on ESPN+.
- Friday, February 23rd
- Duquesne Dukes (16-10, 6-7) at Fordham Rams (10-16, 4-9) at 8:30pm on ESPN2/ESPN+.
- Saturday, February 24th
- St. Bonaventure Bonnies (16-9, 7-6) at Massachusetts Minutemen (17-9, 8-6) at 2:30pm on Peacock/USA Network.
- George Washington Revolutionaries (14-11, 3-9) at Saint Louis Billikens (9-17, 2-11) at 3pm on ESPN+.
- George Mason Patriots (17-8, 6-6) at Loyola Chicago Ramblers (19-7, 11-2) at 4:30pm on USA Network.
- Davidson Wildcats (15-11, 5-8) at Richmond Spiders (18-7, 10-2) at 6pm on ESPN+.
Featured Image: Chris Tucci, UMass Athletics
Kaily “KG” Godek is a current student at Western New England University (WNE). She has been a supporter of UMass Athletics for over 15 years. Kaily focuses on both UMass Basketball teams and occasionally on the other Women’s Basketball teams in the conference. While writing for A10 Talk, she works in the athletic department at WNE. When she graduates from WNE she wants to go into Sports Broadcasting and Journalism. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
