Score: VCU 82, Fairfield 64
Location: Richmond, Va. (Stuart C. Siegel Center)
 
The short story: Junior guard Tyrell Ward poured in a game-high 18 points to lead four VCU players in double figures in an exhibition win over Fairfield Sunday. The victory was the Rams' final preseason tune-up prior to the start of the 2025-26 season.
 
OPENING TIP

• Ward, a transfer from LSU, knocked down 6-of-8 attempts from the floor, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range in just 19 minutes of action
• Redshirt senior guard Jadrian Tracey added an 11-point, nine-rebound, five-assist performance for the Black and Gold
• Sophomore guard Brandon Jennings and junior forward Michael Belle also kicked in 10 points apiece for the Rams, while senior forward Barry Evans corralled a game-high 11 rebounds
• Brandon Benjamin paced Fairfield with 14 points and 10 rebounds

THE DIFFERENCE

• VCU shot 52 percent (28-of-54) from the field, including 57 percent (16-of-28) in the first half on the way to a 39-26 lead at the break. Defensively, the Rams held Fairfield to 34 percent (22-of-65) shooting from the field, including 4-of-20 from beyond the arc
• The Rams never trailed in the contest, using early, back-to-back 3-pointers by freshman guard Nyk Lewis and Tracey to grab an 8-2 edge. VCU led by as many as 20 in the game
• The Black and Gold forced eight second-half turnovers, which they turned into 10 points

NOTABLE

• VCU outscored the Stags 20-3 in fast break opportunities
• Ten VCU players scored in Sunday's contest 

NEXT UP
VCU will tip-off the 2025-26 season on Monday, Nov. 3 when it hosts Wagner at 7 p.m. at the Siegel Center. That game will air live on MASN and ESPN+.