PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WRIC) — The Virginia Commonwealth University Men’s Basketball team has upset the 1-seed Villanova Wildcats at home, 70-61, to advance in the 2024 National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
The Wildcats came into the game Wednesday night with the highest free throw percentage in Division I basketball, with 81.44%. They also tied for 27th most made three-pointers per game and ranked No. 31 in Division I for defensive field goal percentage.
Villanova’s shooting was not enough to overcome the Rams’ defense, who rank No. 48 in Division I for defensive three-point percentage, with their opponents shooting an average of just 31.4% from long range.
VCU guard and Chesterfield County native Joe Bamisile led the Rams in scoring with 17 points off the bench, he also recorded four rebounds and one assist. VCU guard Max Shulga scored 10 points, grabbed three rebounds and recorded six assists.
Villanova forward Eric Dixon led the team in scoring and rebounds, with 21 and 13 respectively. Guards TJ Bamba and Mark Armstrong recorded 12 and 10 points respectively, Armstrong led the Wildcats in assists with five.
