VCU bounced back from its unexpected loss to Hampton on Thursday by defeating Maryland in the main event of the BB&T Classic in DeeCee tonight: VCU 85, Maryland 76.

With a career-high 30 points, Rams senior shooting guard Jamal Shuler led all scorers in the game. Click here for the box score from AP.

From VCU’s Chris Kowalczyk:

Senior Jamal Shuler and junior Eric Maynor combined for 55 points to spur Virginia Commonwealth University past Maryland, 85-76, Sunday before 12,085 at the BB&T Classic at the Verizon Center. Shuler poured in a career-high 30 points in the contest, including 19 in the first half, but the game remained a 34-34 stalemate after 20 minutes. Shuler drilled 6-of-11 3-pointers and ripped four steals in the game.

Where Shuler owned the first 20 minutes, Maynor provided the same for VCU (4-3) in the final 20. The 6-2 point guard exploded for 23 of his 25 points following intermission, including a series of clutch baskets down the stretch.

The victory marks the Rams’ second victory over an ACC-foe in its last three tries, including its 79-77 win over Duke in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last seasons.

“This was a great win for our basketball team,” said VCU head coach Anthony Grant. “It was great to see our guys come out with the level of focus they did tonight.”

Greivis Vasquez led the Terrapins (5-3) with 19 points, while Bambale Osby registered his second double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The first 30 minutes of the game were back-and-forth, featuring 16 ties and 14 lead changes. However, VCU’s Joey Rodriguez sandwiched a jumper and a 3-pointer around two Shuler free throws to give the Rams seven unanswered points and a 56-52 advantage with 9:37 remaining.

A short time later, with VCU holding a 57-54 edge, Shuler picked the pocket of Maryland’s Eric Hayes. Maynor quickly rewarded Shuler on the offensive end, finding the 6-4 guard for his sixth and final triple of the night to give the Black and Gold a 60-54 lead with 8:13 left. Maryland never regained the lead.

“Coach gave us a challenge this year to step up and be leaders for this team and that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Shuler.

The next game for VCU (4-3) will be against Wm. & Mary (1-4) on Wed., Dec. 5, at the Siegel Center at 7: 30 p.m., which will open Colonial Athletic Association play for both teams.