After a surprising loss on Monday to start the 2023-2024 season the Rams rebounded with a 75-65 win against the Samford Bulldogs on Friday night.
While the Rams shot an impressive 80% (20-25) from the charity stripe—the offense struggled to find their rhythm for much of the first half.
Trailing 30-19 with just over 4 minutes left in the first half, Tobi Lawal slammed down a dunk to start a 14-4 run for the Rams that would take them into the locker room down by only three points.
Lawal ended the night with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
During that final 5 minute stretch of the first half the Rams also maintained better protection of the ball resulting in zero turnovers—after tallying 9 turnovers in the first 15 minutes.
Local product, Fats Billups III, intercepted a pass and stormed down the court to hit the shot to tie the game at 54 with just over 8 minutes left in the second half.
Just over a minute later, Christian Fermin grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled on his successful put back to give the Rams their first lead of the game.
Fermin notched his first double-double of young season with 10 points, 10 rebound, and 5 block performance. He led the team in both rebounds and blocks.
Billups would hit a pair of free throws to give the Rams a 58-56 lead.
The Rams wouldn't relinquish the lead for the remainder of the night.
Max Shulga led the Rams with 17 points behind 57% shooting from long range.
Zeb Jackson contributed 13 points on the stat sheet to go with his team leading 7 assists.
VCU finished with 13 assists on 25 made baskets.
The Rams shot 40% overall from the floor—including 40 points in the paint—and out rebounded the Bulldogs 40-34.
The Rams return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 15th at they host the Highlanders of Radford. That game is set to tip at 7pm EST and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
While the Rams shot an impressive 80% (20-25) from the charity stripe—the offense struggled to find their rhythm for much of the first half.
Trailing 30-19 with just over 4 minutes left in the first half, Tobi Lawal slammed down a dunk to start a 14-4 run for the Rams that would take them into the locker room down by only three points.
Lawal ended the night with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
During that final 5 minute stretch of the first half the Rams also maintained better protection of the ball resulting in zero turnovers—after tallying 9 turnovers in the first 15 minutes.
Local product, Fats Billups III, intercepted a pass and stormed down the court to hit the shot to tie the game at 54 with just over 8 minutes left in the second half.
Just over a minute later, Christian Fermin grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled on his successful put back to give the Rams their first lead of the game.
Fermin notched his first double-double of young season with 10 points, 10 rebound, and 5 block performance. He led the team in both rebounds and blocks.
Billups would hit a pair of free throws to give the Rams a 58-56 lead.
The Rams wouldn't relinquish the lead for the remainder of the night.
Max Shulga led the Rams with 17 points behind 57% shooting from long range.
Zeb Jackson contributed 13 points on the stat sheet to go with his team leading 7 assists.
VCU finished with 13 assists on 25 made baskets.
The Rams shot 40% overall from the floor—including 40 points in the paint—and out rebounded the Bulldogs 40-34.
The Rams return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 15th at they host the Highlanders of Radford. That game is set to tip at 7pm EST and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
