The VCU Rams extended their unbeaten start to the season, moving to 3-0 with a strong 63-42 win over Merrimack on Wednesday night at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Fueled by their defense and consistent scoring from Joe Bamisile and Phillip Russell, the Rams maintained control throughout, building a substantial lead in the first half and never letting up.
First-Half Surge Sets the Tone
VCU dominated early, going up 38-17 by halftime. The Rams shot an impressive 50% from the field in the first half, including 36.4% from beyond the arc, compared to Merrimack’s 33.3% field-goal percentage. Phillip Russell led the charge with 12 points in the first half, connecting on 3-of-4 three-point attempts, while Joe Bamisile added crucial support with 12 points of his own.
On the defensive end, the Rams held Merrimack to just one three-pointer on ten attempts in the first period. VCU’s tenacious defense generated turnovers and limited Merrimack’s scoring chances, allowing the Rams to build a comfortable lead.
Continued Control in the Second Half
Though VCU’s shooting cooled slightly in the second half, the Rams’ defense continued the show. They held Merrimack to a mere 22.7% shooting from the floor and 0-for-9 from three-point range in the final 20 minutes. Joe Bamisile continued to lead VCU with an additional eight points after the break, finishing with a game-high 20 points, while Brandon Jennings and Fats Billups contributed key rebounds and defensive stops to prevent any Merrimack comeback.
Notable Performances
- Joe Bamisile: 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists
- Phillip Russell: 18 points, shooting 3-for-5 from beyond the arc
- Christian Fermin: Anchored the defense with a team-high 7 rebounds and a block
VCU’s offense benefited from turnovers, generating 16 points off Merrimack’s miscues, and showcased their ability to score inside with a 24-point advantage in the paint. The Rams also held the edge in bench points, with 14 compared to Merrimack’s 1.
Up Next
The Rams will look to keep their perfect record intact as they face Loyola (Md.) this Saturday at 7 p.m. Fans can catch the game on MASN and ESPN+.
