Score: St. Bonaventure 89, VCU 78
Location: Richmond, Va. (Stuart C. Siegel Center)
Records: VCU 8-6 (0-1 A-10), St. Bonaventure 10-3 (1-0 A-10)
 
The short story: VCU shot an efficient 50 percent from the floor but was unable to overcome hot shooting from St. Bonaventure from 3-point range in the Atlantic 10 Conference opener for both programs.
 
OPENING TIP

• VCU was led offensively by sophomore forward Christian Fermin who supplied a career-high 15 points along with nine rebounds and three blocked shots
• Graduate forward Kuany Kuany added 13 points for the Rams, including 10 in the first half. Kunay was 3-of-3 from 3-point range and 4-of-5 from the floor
• VCU graduate guard Sean Bairstow scored 11 points and handed out a team-high six assists
• Zeb Jackson was the fourth Ram in double figures with 11 points and five assists
• St. Bonaventure was led by Chad Venning who had a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds

THE DIFFERENCE

• The Bonnies tied a season-high with 12 three pointers Wednesday and shot a scorching 55 percent (12-of-22) from beyond the arc. Bona knocked down 6-of-11 treys in each half
• The Bonnies held a 15-6 edge in second chance points, grabbing 10 offensive boards to VCU's six
• St. Bonaventure had just three first half turnovers while shooting 55 percent from the floor. The Bonnies led the Rams 44-36 at the break
• The Rams, despite trailing by as many as 19 points, cut the deficit to 71-62 with 6:16 left in the contest. The Bonnies answered with an 8-2 run to extend their lead 79-64 and hold off the Rams

NOTABLE

• VCU and Bonnies had split the series 8-8 coming into the contest, the Rams are now 5-3 at home against St. Bonaventure
• The Rams have scored at least 75 points in six straight games
• The Black and Gold outscored St. Bonaventure 40-24 in the paint

NEXT UP
VCU hosts George Washington on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. The game will air nationally on USA.