The Citadel stormed into Cameron Hall and left with a resounding 82-68 victory over Virginia Military Institute, led by Braxton Williams' impressive 22-point performance. Despite a strong effort from VMI's TJ Johnson, who recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, the Keydets were unable to keep pace with the Bulldogs' high-powered offense.
The Citadel set the tone early, racing out to a 47-34 halftime lead behind Williams' 12 first-half points. The Bulldogs' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Marcos Gonzales and Eze Wali chipping in 12 and 11 points, respectively. VMI, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm, with Johnson's 10 first-half points serving as a rare bright spot.
In the second half, VMI attempted to mount a comeback, with AJ Clark and Mario Tatum Jr. contributing 13 and 12 points, respectively. However, The Citadel's lead proved insurmountable, as the Bulldogs continued to pour in points and secure a convincing 14-point win.
The Citadel's performance was a reflection of the team's resilience and determination. Despite entering the game with a 6-14 record, the Bulldogs played with a sense of urgency and purpose, outscoring VMI 35-34 in the second half to seal the win.
For VMI, the loss marks a disappointing outcome, particularly given Johnson's impressive double-double. The Keydets' 6-15 record and 355 net ranking suggest a long road ahead, and this defeat will do little to alleviate those concerns.
This matchup was deemed a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, and the outcome will have minimal impact on their respective tournament chances. However, for The Citadel, the win serves as a much-needed confidence booster, and the team's 353 net ranking may see a slight improvement following this result. As the Bulldogs continue to navigate their schedule, they want to build on this performance and secure more wins to bolster their resume.
Ultimately, The Citadel's dominant win over VMI will be remembered as a strong team effort, with Braxton Williams' 22 points serving as the catalyst. While the game may not have significant tournament implications, it highlights the Bulldogs' potential and provides a foundation for future success. With this win, The Citadel takes a small step forward in its quest for a stronger season, and the team want to carry this momentum into its upcoming games.