Game Overview
On March 16, 2025, the VCU Rams clinched the Atlantic 10 Conference championship by edging out the George Mason Patriots with a 68-63 victory at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. This triumph secured VCU an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament, marking their second appearance in three years.
Key Performances
- Max Shulga (VCU): The senior guard delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 18 points, including 12 in the second half.
- Joe Bamisile (VCU): Bamisile contributed crucial free throws in the game’s final moments, sealing the win for the Rams.
- DeVon Cooper (George Mason): Cooper led the Patriots with 17 points, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the contest.
Game Highlights
- First Half: VCU established an early lead, shooting 41.67% from the field and 35.71% from beyond the arc.
- Second Half: George Mason rallied, narrowing the deficit to one point (59-58) with 2:27 remaining. However, VCU’s resilience and clutch free-throw shooting preserved their advantage.
Statistical Overview
- Field Goals: VCU shot 40.4% (19-47), while George Mason connected on 42.6% (23-54) of their attempts.
- Three-Point Shooting: The Rams made 32% (8-25) of their shots from beyond the arc, whereas the Patriots hit 33.3% (7-21)
- Free Throws: VCU capitalized on 81.5% (22-27) of their opportunities from the charity stripe, compared to George Mason’s 66.7% (10-15).
Post-Game Remarks
VCU’s head coach, Ryan Odom, praised his team’s determination, stating, “Our guys showed tremendous heart and focus, especially down the stretch. This is a testament to their hard work all season.”
George Mason’s head coach, Kim English, reflected on the close contest, saying, “I’m proud of our effort. We fought hard and had our chances. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Implications
With this victory, VCU secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, aiming to make a deep run in March Madness. George Mason, despite the loss, has showcased significant progress this season and remains hopeful for a potential at-large bid.
