VCU vs Merrimack: A Joe Bamisile Celebration (11-13-24)
By: Lamonte Thomas
Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
On a night in the Stuart Siegel Center when hometown hero Joe Bamisile was
Honored for surpassing 1,000 career points in the previous game, the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball team (2-0) cruised to a victory over Merrimack College (1-0) on Wednesday night. Second-year VCU head coach Ryan Odom awarded Joe, the Monacan high school product (Chesterfield, VA) the honorary basketball for his 1,000 career points before tip-off.
Adam “Budd” Clark, the sophomore guard from Philadelphia got things started for the Warriors as he used brilliant footwork and knocked down a few jump shots to give Merrimack a 4-1 lead. They led again early in the first half 7- 6, only to never lead again. VCU’s size and length would catapult them to a 12 – 2 run in the next 10 minutes, which included Bamasile and Shulga switching off to guard the elusive Clark. The Rams led 18 – 9 with eight minutes remaining in the first half before “Budd” Clark cut the lead to five on a few jump shots. The defensive attack of Shulga, Phillip Russell, and Bamasile opened up a 38 -17 halftime lead for VCU. The Rams’ defense was swarming, as freshman Brandon Jennings (Richmond, VA) and Basamile recorded a few steals to end the half; Basamile’s steal ended with a poetic spin move and a two-handed finish.
The stifling defense for VCU continued in the second half, as Merrimack went 1 – 19 from three-point range in the game. The Ram’s largest lead was 28 points, and the STU was rocking! Dunks from Bamasile and Sophomore Alonzo Billups (Richmond, VA) erupted in the arena with roars from the home crowd.
Joe Bamasile finished with 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting, while Phillips Russell (St Louis, MO) added 18 points for VCU. Merrimack’s “Budd” Clark scored 19 points and Sean Trumper (England) added 16 for the Warriors.
VCU (3-0) will take on Loyola MD (2-1) at home on 11/16 as they continue their undefeated play.
