RICHMOND, VA — October 26, 2026
Richmond basketball fans got an early taste of March-style drama Sunday afternoon.
Behind a 30-point performance from junior guard Blake Harper, Virginia Commonwealth University defeated James Madison University 92–87 in overtime during an October 25 exhibition at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.
The Rams appeared headed toward a comfortable victory before James Madison erased a late deficit and forced an additional five minutes. Harper made sure the comeback stopped there.
The 6-foot-7 guard scored 11 points in overtime, giving VCU a dramatic finish to its preseason schedule before the November 2 regular-season opener.
## Harper Delivers When Richmond Needs Him Most
With 3:56 remaining in regulation, VCU held a 10-point advantage. James Madison refused to go away.
The Dukes mounted a late comeback, and K.J. Windham's reverse layup with 22 seconds remaining tied the game at 77.
Harper immediately changed the momentum. He opened the extra period with a three-pointer from the corner. After James Madison tied the game at 84, Harper connected on another three to put VCU ahead with 2:02 remaining.
He followed with a floater that extended the Rams' lead to 89–84 with 48 seconds left.
Harper finished with 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting, nine rebounds and eight successful free throws.
## From Howard to Creighton to Richmond
Harper's journey to VCU makes Sunday's performance particularly interesting.
The Washington, D.C., native began his collegiate career at Howard University, where he averaged 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists during the 2024–25 season.
He became the first player in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference history to earn Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season.
Harper subsequently transferred to Creighton, appearing in 34 games during the 2025–26 campaign.
Now entering his junior season at VCU, Harper brings experience from two different Division I conferences. His scoring ability could become an important addition to a Rams team defending its Atlantic 10 championship.
Sunday's exhibition was only one performance, but it demonstrated his ability to create offense during a closely contested game.
## What the Numbers Reveal
Harper dominated the headlines, but VCU received contributions throughout its lineup.
Junior guard Ahmad Nowell scored 10 points, connecting on two three-pointers.
Richmond native Brandon Jennings contributed nine points, while senior forward Michael Belle added nine points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
James Madison's Windham led the Dukes with 23 points and four assists.
VCU shot 48.1% from the field and 45% from three-point range.
James Madison managed just 36.6% overall shooting but remained competitive by making 14 three-pointers.
The Rams also attempted 40 free throws, converting 31.
The official box score recorded 5,969 spectators at the Siegel Center.
## An Important Lesson Before Opening Night
For VCU, Sunday's exhibition produced two contrasting takeaways.
The Rams demonstrated their offensive potential, particularly through Harper's individual scoring.
However, surrendering a 10-point advantage late in regulation also exposed an area requiring attention.
Protecting leads, limiting perimeter opportunities and executing during the closing minutes could become important factors when conference competition begins.
The exhibition does not count toward VCU's regular-season record, but it provided a meaningful test against Division I competition.
## Richmond's Next Basketball Moment
VCU officially opens the 2026–27 season Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m., hosting Little Rock at the Siegel Center.
The game is scheduled to air locally on CW Richmond and stream on ESPN+.
For a program selected first in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, expectations are already significant.
Sunday's overtime victory did not determine how the season will unfold.
It did, however, introduce Richmond fans to a player capable of taking over a game when the pressure rises.
Blake Harper arrived at VCU with an impressive basketball résumé. On Sunday, he gave Richmond its first unforgettable performance of the new season.
## Sources
VCU Athletics — Official game recap: https://vcuathletics.com/news/2026/10/25/mens-basketball-harper-drops-30-to-lift-vcu-past-jmu-in-overtime.aspx
VCU Athletics — Official box score: https://vcuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2026-27/james-madison/boxscore/9907
VCU Athletics — Blake Harper biography: https://vcuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/blake-harper/6976
VCU Athletics — Atlantic 10 preseason honors: https://vcuathletics.com/news/2026/10/19/mens-basketball-vcu-selected-a10-favorite-three-rams-net-preseason-honors.aspx