Rams second half overwhelms Greyhounds

Final Score: VCU 83, Loyola (Maryland) 57.
Location: Siegel Center.
Updated Records: VCU 4-0, Loyola 2-2.

 

In a nutshell: A sellout crowd (7,637) witnessed two very different 20-minute periods of basketball. In the first half VCU sleepwalked its way to a 36-to-30 lead over Loyola. The Rams had actually trailed the Greyhounds for much of the half. 

In a word, it was a "lazy" effort. Lots of one-on-one offense and slow-reacting defense from an undefeated team that seemed overconfident playing against a 23-point underdog. 

The second stanza was a different story. The hustling home team's defense held the visitors to 29 percent (8-of-28) from the field. That, as Jack Clark, Joe Bamisile and Max Shulga became the first trio of Rams to score 20 or more points in a game in 14 years. 

Stats: Clark (a transfer from Clemson) with 25 points. He went on 9-of-11 shooting from the field, going 3-of-4 from 3-point distance; plus 6 boards. Bamisile with 22 pts., 5 boards, 3 steals. Shulga with an impressive complete game; 20 pts., 10 boards, 7 assists, 5 steals.

NOTES (Information provided by Chris Kowalczyk, VCU Assistant A.D.)

· Bamisile drew seven fouls, leading to nine attempts at the free throw line.

· The Rams limited the Greyhounds to just 33 percent shooting in the game. Loyola's offense was paced by Braeden Speed and Milos Ilic who each scored 10 points.

· Sparked by Shulga's steal and dunk, The Rams went on a 23-5 run in the second half that saw their lead extend to 64-38 with 7:32 remaining in the game.

· The Rams’ stout defense held the Greyhounds to only 22 points in the paint. They also forced 17 turnovers, leading directly to 21 points.

· The Black and Gold collected 12 offensive rebounds, leading to 17 second-chance points.

· The Rams’ 4-0 start is their best since the 2019-20 season, when they started 6-0.

BOXSCORE

NEXT UP: The Rams will head to Charleston, S.C. for the Shriners Children’s Hospital Charleston Classic Nov. 21-24.  VCU will open against Seton Hall on Thursday, Nov. 21 in a game to be seen on ESPN2. Tipoff at 5 p.m.

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