Cold night from deep costs Rams; Win streak snapped at SLU

VCU's (16-5; 6-2 A10) six-game win streak came to a halt Tuesday night as the Rams fell 78-69 to Saint Louis in a physical battle at Chaifetz Arena. A rough shooting performance from beyond the arc doomed the Rams, who shot just 5-of-31 from three (16.1%), with their attempts accounting for 46.2% of their total shots.

First Half: A Battle on the Glass, Lead Swings Galore​

Despite struggling from deep early, VCU found ways to stay in control during the first 20 minutes. Joe Bamisile’s layup at 6:35 gave the Rams a 19-18 lead, and Jack Clark’s offensive board and putback at 3:26 put VCU back on top, 24-23. Moments later, Max Shulga blocked a SLU fast break and found Zeb Jackson for a triple, extending the Rams' lead to 27-23.

VCU dominated the glass early, grabbing 9 offensive rebounds for 10 second-chance points in the first half, while SLU had zero offensive boards in the same span. That rebounding edge helped the Rams through 10 first-half lead changes, and they entered halftime up 31-28.

Second Half: Jimmerson Heats Up, SLU Pulls Away​

SLU’s Gibson Jimmerson knocked down a deep three at 4:49 to push the Billikens out to a 60-53 lead, their largest of the night to that point. From there, the Rams struggled to cut into the deficit, hampered by continued woes from three. With 1:10 left, Shulga finally connected on his only triple of the night, bringing the Rams within two possessions, but SLU’s composure at the free throw line sealed the deal.

The Numbers Game​

• VCU’s offensive struggles: The Rams hit just 32.8% from the field and 16.1% from deep, compared to SLU’s 48.8% overall and 33.3% from three.
• Free throw parade: Both teams lived at the line, with SLU attempting 40 free throws, part of a combined 66 attempts between the two squads.
• VCU foul trouble: The Rams lost three players—Zeb Jackson, Phillip Russell, and Max Shulga—to fouls late.
• Balanced scoring:Despite the loss, VCU had four players in double figures:
  • Jackson (15 pts, 3-6 3PT, 4-4 FT)
  • Russell (15 pts, 5-12 FG, 1-7 3PT)
  • Shulga (14 pts, 9-10 FT, 5 reb)
  • Bamisile (11 pts, 5-17 FG, 6 reb)

Next Up​

The loss evens the season series between SLU and VCU at 1-1, with both teams now tied for second place in the A-10 behind George Mason. The Rams return to action on Saturday, February 1st, as they host the Richmond Spider as part of the the Richmond Area Honda Dealers Capital City Classic. That game is set to tip at 4pm EST and will be broadcast on CBS SportsNet.