Score: VCU 63, Merrimack 42
Location: Richmond, Va. (Stuart C. Siegel Center)
Records: VCU 3-0, Merrimack 1-1
 
The short story: Graduate guards Joe Bamisile and Phillip Russell combined for 38 points, and VCU forced Merrimack to 28 percent shooting as the Rams cruised to a 21-point win Wednesday at the Siegel Center.
 
OPENING TIP

• Russell knocked down 5-of-8 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc in an 18-point effort. He also connected on 5-of-6 free throws
• Bamisile finished with a game-high 20 points and added five rebounds, four assists and four steals
• Freshman guard Brandon Jennings turned in a five-point, nine-rebound, four-steal, four-assist night in 26 minutes off the bench for the Black and Gold 
•  Merrimack's Adam Clark led the Warriors 19 points

THE DIFFERENCE

• The Rams' defense shined once again as they held Merrimack to 28 percent (12-of-43) shooting, including 1-of-19 from 3-point range
• VCU also forced a season-high 22 turnovers
• The game was close early, but Bamisile scored eight points to lead VCU on an 18-2 run to close the half and send the Rams into the locker room with a 38-17 lead. Merrimack never threatened again
• VCU owned a 38-30 rebounding edge and outscored the Warriors 24-14 in the paint
• The Rams assisted on 16 of their 19 field goals

NOTABLE

• VCU is off to its first 3-0 start since the 2019-20 season. The Rams have won those three games by an average of 21.7 points
• The Rams led the contest for 37:00
• VCU's bench outscored Merrimack's 14-1 

NEXT UP
VCU faces Loyola (Md.) on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. That game will air on MASN and ESPN+.