Loyola’s Competitive First Half Effort is Not Enough as VCU Surges Past the Greyhounds

By: Ethan Hennessy

Richmond Virginia

A Tyson Commander three found the bottom for the second time after Loyola started off making three of their first four field goals. The Greyhounds jumped out to an early 8-4 lead. The Greyhound lead was as large as six before VCU began locking down on the defensive end and capitalizing with offensive scores. Josh Loeffler said “We beat the pressure well, and played well after stops. ” VCU coach Ryan Odom said “We were going for homeruns too much on defense. Once the game settled in we found our rhythm”.

Loyola retook the lead after trailing when Braeden Speed converted a transition layup plus the four at the 5:46 mark in the first half. Max Shulga and Joe Bamisile contributed the heavy lifting for the Rams in the first half. The two combined for 24 of VCU’s 36 first-half points.

VCU went on a 17-6 run through the first ten minutes of the second half. Odom said during halftime they talked about not fouling as much, offensively getting the ball moving, and getting better in the pick and roll. Loeffler said “I though their (VCU’s) on ball pressure increased and their intensity was just a little bit higher. That made it harder to execute offense against them”. In talking about his backup freshman center coach Josh Loeffler said “Goap is always going to play hard. That is a tough game to be put into your first game playing significant college minutes.” Shulga, Bamisile, and Jack Clack accounted for 67 of VCU’s 83 points.

Next for Loyola they will travel to Boston College for a Tuesday night game against the Eagles. VCU will begin the Charleston Classic against Seton Hall.