The Rams cruised to a commanding 63-42 win over Merrimack, improving to a 3-0 start to the 2024-25 season.
VCU’s defense was relentless on the night, forcing Merrimack into rough shooting from both the field ( 27.9%) and beyond the arc—where the Warriors hit only one of their 19 three-point attempts (5.3%). VCU’s defensive grit kept Merrimack in scoring droughts throughout, and used a 13-0 VCU run in the second half that shut down any comeback hopes.
On the offensive side, VCU attacked with balance as four players hit double digits on the evening. Joe Bamisile led the Rams with 20 points and dished out 4 assists, while going 8-11 from the floor.
Phillip Russell wasn’t far behind, contributing 18 points on 3-5 shooting from distance along with 2 steals to disrupt Merrimack’s backcourt. Jack Clark chipped in 5 points and grabbed 7 boards, while Max Shulga added 4 points and 5 rebounds to round out the scoring threat for the Rams.
The Rams’ presence on the boards was relentless, out-rebounding Merrimack 38-30. Clark and Brandon Jennings led the way, with Jennings snagging a team-high 9 rebounds.
Turnovers were another area where VCU’s pressure proved relentless. VCU also capitalized on the Warriors’ mistakes by turning 22 Merrimack turnovers in 16 points on the other end—including 15 steals by the Rams. Jennings was instrumental here, filling the stat sheet with 5 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in just 7 minutes of play.
Jennings brought valuable minutes off a VCU bench that contributed just 14 points on the night..
The Rams enjoyed a 28-point lead at their largest and kept control throughout most of the contest.
The Rams will return to action on Nov. 16th as they host Loyola, MD. That game is set to tip at 7pm ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
VCU’s defense was relentless on the night, forcing Merrimack into rough shooting from both the field ( 27.9%) and beyond the arc—where the Warriors hit only one of their 19 three-point attempts (5.3%). VCU’s defensive grit kept Merrimack in scoring droughts throughout, and used a 13-0 VCU run in the second half that shut down any comeback hopes.
On the offensive side, VCU attacked with balance as four players hit double digits on the evening. Joe Bamisile led the Rams with 20 points and dished out 4 assists, while going 8-11 from the floor.
Phillip Russell wasn’t far behind, contributing 18 points on 3-5 shooting from distance along with 2 steals to disrupt Merrimack’s backcourt. Jack Clark chipped in 5 points and grabbed 7 boards, while Max Shulga added 4 points and 5 rebounds to round out the scoring threat for the Rams.
The Rams’ presence on the boards was relentless, out-rebounding Merrimack 38-30. Clark and Brandon Jennings led the way, with Jennings snagging a team-high 9 rebounds.
Turnovers were another area where VCU’s pressure proved relentless. VCU also capitalized on the Warriors’ mistakes by turning 22 Merrimack turnovers in 16 points on the other end—including 15 steals by the Rams. Jennings was instrumental here, filling the stat sheet with 5 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in just 7 minutes of play.
Jennings brought valuable minutes off a VCU bench that contributed just 14 points on the night..
The Rams enjoyed a 28-point lead at their largest and kept control throughout most of the contest.
The Rams will return to action on Nov. 16th as they host Loyola, MD. That game is set to tip at 7pm ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
