SLU travels to VCU for a midweek clash at the top of the Atlantic 10. SLU is unbeaten thus far at 3-0, while VCU is 2-1 having lost their A10 opener to St. Bonaventure before beating Loyola Chicago and Fordham handily.

VCU senior guard Phillip Russell is a familiar face to Billikens fans, the Vashon grad playing briefly for the Bills in 2020-21, ultimately redshirting. He went on to spend two productive years at SEMO before joining UT-Arlington last year. As you can see above Russell has quickly established himself with the Rams, forming a formidable backcourt with fellow Senior guard Max Shulga. and swingman Joseph Bamasile. Russell and Shulga both draw fouls and dish assists at high rates. At just 6’4″, Bamisile is a terrific shot-blocker and offensive rebounder.

We’ll see how the Ram backcourt matches up with SLU’s Isaiah Swope, Gibson Jimerson, and the Kobe Johnson / Kellen Thames combo. These teams meet again in Saint Louis two weeks from tonight.