VCU shuts down Saint Mary’s in exhibition, 102-44

Andrew Thompson, Contributing Writer

Ethan York, Contributing Writer

The VCU Rams men’s basketball team achieved an easy 102-44 win over the Division III Saint Mary’s College of College of Maryland Seahawks.

VCU won the tip-off and drove forward. Graduate student guard Joe Bamisile managed to sink a three after a few offensive rebounds.

The Rams had little trouble containing the Seahawks offense, shutting down their first few drives with relative ease.

Frustrations began to flair as the Seahawks committed a technical foul against the Rams at the 16-minute mark with fourth-year guard Max Shulga making both free throws, according to StatBroadcast.

The Rams had another successful offensive drive immediately after the free throws with Bamisile recording the first dunk of the game.

The Rams continued the attack with redshirt second-year guard and forward Alphonzoo “Fats” Billups III dribbling through three defenders.

The Rams had 25 points and the Seahawks were stuck at nine points halfway through the first half, according to StatBroadcast.

The Seahawks managed to score double digits with eight minutes left in the first half, ending their scoring drought.

The black and gold continued to dominate the Seahawks on both offense and defense, going on an 11-point run for five minutes before following it up with a 13-point run for three minutes near the end of the first half,  according to StatBroadcast.

VCU graduate student guard Phillip Russell hit an amazing shot resulting in an-and-one three-pointer at the eight-minute mark, creating a four-point play.

The black and gold’s defense continued to force mistakes from the Seahawks, managing seven steals and three blocks by halftime, according to StatBroadcast.

Russell said the team’s dominant performance can be attributed to their defensive tenacity.

“Our main goal is to be disruptive so you can see that principle defenses, that’s a part of our defensive possession,” Russell said.

VCU’s strong defense and intensity on the boards held Saint Mary’s to 28% from the field and the Rams outrebounded them 27 to 11, according to StatBroadcast.

The Rams wrapped up the first half with 55 points and the Seahawks had 22, holding their largest lead up to that point.

Some impressive performances from the Rams came from Bamisile with 15 points, Russell with 10 points and Shulga with four rebounds.

VCU started the second half off with the same intensity as the first, stealing the opening inbound pass and allowing Bamisile to dunk.

Saint Mary’s first points in the second half came from free throws around the 17-minute mark, cutting the Rams’ almost 40-point lead to 62-24.

VCU’s continued momentum in the second half saw them never letting their foot off the gas on both ends, creating multiple turnovers and scoring opportunities from them.

Redshirt second-year forward Obinnaya “Obi” Okafor subbed into the game in the closing minutes and made an immediate impact on a putback layup, scoring his first points following tearing his ACL the season prior, according to VCU Athletics.

Second-year guard and forward Michael Belle hit two free throws to put the Rams at 100 points on the night with only two minutes remaining, extending their lead to nearly 60, according to StatBroadcast.

VCU first-year guard Brandon Jennings hit a layup in the closing seconds, ending the exhibition with a 102-44 win.

Playing well during the non-conference schedule is important, head coach Ryan Odom said.

“We need everyone to play as many games as we can in the non-conference,” Odom said. “It’s just the way it is, and so we’re looking forward to a really competitive season.”

The Rams will play their season opener against Bellarmine University at the Siegel Center on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.