On Monday night the Rams hosted the Cowboys of McNeese State to start the 2023-24 season—and if that name sounds familiar it might be because their head coach is former VCU leader, Will Wade*.
Utah State transfer, Max Shulga, opened the Ryan Odom era with a triple just 22 seconds into the game.
Michael Belle added a free throw and a dunk and the Rams jumped out to a 6-1 early lead. He would finish the evening with seven points and four rebounds.
The Cowboys countered with a 12-0 run over the next two minutes before another triple from Shulga stopped the run.
VCU struggled to find it's rhythm though as the Rams connected on 38% of the first half attempts while going 5-18 from long range.
The second half picked up a little for the Rams as they ended the night shooting 42% from the floor including 11-36 (31%) from distance.
On the 22 made baskets for the Rams, they tallied an impressive 17 assists.
In his first start in VCU uniform, Shulga topped the Rams scoring with 22 points on 55% efficiency. Included a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line.
Zeb Jackson was the only other Ram in double digit scoring with 14 points on the night. The senior point guard also led the Rams with 7 rebounds and had a game-high 8 assists.
The Cowboys shooting cooled off in the second half, but a 14 turnover game for the Rams proved just too much to overcome. McNeese translated those into 13 points while only turning the ball over 5 times themselves.
VCU also struggled to establish a presence in the post as McNeese St. owned a 36-22 advantage down low.
The Rams return to action on Friday, Nov. 10th as they take on the Bulldogs of Samford University. That game is scheduled to tip-ff at 7pm and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
* McNeese Head coach Will Wade was not present tonight as he is serving a 7-game suspension to start the season.
Utah State transfer, Max Shulga, opened the Ryan Odom era with a triple just 22 seconds into the game.
Michael Belle added a free throw and a dunk and the Rams jumped out to a 6-1 early lead. He would finish the evening with seven points and four rebounds.
The Cowboys countered with a 12-0 run over the next two minutes before another triple from Shulga stopped the run.
VCU struggled to find it's rhythm though as the Rams connected on 38% of the first half attempts while going 5-18 from long range.
The second half picked up a little for the Rams as they ended the night shooting 42% from the floor including 11-36 (31%) from distance.
On the 22 made baskets for the Rams, they tallied an impressive 17 assists.
In his first start in VCU uniform, Shulga topped the Rams scoring with 22 points on 55% efficiency. Included a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line.
Zeb Jackson was the only other Ram in double digit scoring with 14 points on the night. The senior point guard also led the Rams with 7 rebounds and had a game-high 8 assists.
The Cowboys shooting cooled off in the second half, but a 14 turnover game for the Rams proved just too much to overcome. McNeese translated those into 13 points while only turning the ball over 5 times themselves.
VCU also struggled to establish a presence in the post as McNeese St. owned a 36-22 advantage down low.
The Rams return to action on Friday, Nov. 10th as they take on the Bulldogs of Samford University. That game is scheduled to tip-ff at 7pm and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
* McNeese Head coach Will Wade was not present tonight as he is serving a 7-game suspension to start the season.
