VCU Basketball vs. Virginia Tech: A Redemption Clash at the Battle 4 Atlantis
It’s more than just a consolation game when VCU basketball clashes with Virginia Tech in the Battle 4 Atlantis third-place matchup. Set against the stunning backdrop of Paradise Island, Bahamas, this Friday morning showdown promises a fierce battle between two teams eager to rebound from Thanksgiving Day defeats. Both the Rams and the Hokies find themselves in this position after falling short in their second-round games, setting the stage for an intriguing display of resilience in NCAA college basketball.
Virginia Tech’s Road to Recovery
The Virginia Tech Hokies (6-1) entered the tournament undefeated but stumbled against Saint Mary’s, suffering a 77-66 defeat. A major factor in their struggles was the absence of last year’s top scorer and rebounder, Tobi Lawal, who was sidelined with a walking boot. Coach Mike Young indicated Lawal’s absence for the VCU game would be “precautionary,” but his impact was sorely missed. The Hokies’ shooting suffered dramatically, hitting a mere 30.9% from the floor, with Jailen Bedford, a standout in the opening round, missing all ten of his attempts against the Gaels. Despite the offensive woes, Amani Hansberry (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Jaden Schutt (17 points) showed glimpses of potential. “We couldn’t get on track offensively in the first half, and that’s frustrating,” Young commented, highlighting the team’s need to dissect their performance.
VCU’s Quest for Consistency
Under first-year coach Phil Martelli Jr., VCU basketball (4-3) has experienced an uneven start to their season. Their path to the third-place game included an 89-74 loss to No. 24 Vanderbilt. Martelli Jr. is still navigating his team’s deep rotation, which features eleven players averaging at least 12 minutes per game. He expresses confidence in his entire roster, stating, “We’re built a certain way where I can go 1 through 13 right now where anybody I’m putting in the game, I feel very confident in all of them.” The Rams boast significant size with Charleston transfer Lazar Djokovic (6-foot-11, 12.1 ppg) and a dynamic backcourt trio of Oregon transfer Jadrian Tracey (12.1 ppg), Nyk Lewis (11 ppg), and Terrence Hill Jr. (10.7 ppg), showcasing a balanced offensive attack.
The Showdown: A Test of Character
Both teams arrive at this pivotal third-place game having faced similar challenges: leading for minimal periods in their recent losses and struggling to find offensive rhythm. This matchup isn’t just about finishing third; it’s a critical opportunity for both programs to build momentum and define their identity early in the season. For the Hokies, it’s about finding their stride without Lawal and rediscovering their shooting touch. For the Rams, it’s about Martelli Jr. solidifying his rotation and translating depth into consistent performance.
What to Watch For
Expect a high-energy contest as both sides look to end their Bahamas trip on a positive note. Key matchups will include VCU’s versatile bigs challenging Virginia Tech’s interior defense, especially in Lawal’s potential absence. On the perimeter, the Rams’ quick guards will test the Hokies’ ability to contain dribble penetration. This game is a true test of character and coaching adjustments for both NCAA basketball programs.
Tune in to witness a compelling chapter in this year’s college hoops season, as VCU basketball and Virginia Tech lay it all on the line for third place.
