First-half score: University of Richmond- 35, Saint Bonaventure University- 29
Important Stats: UR's Derrick Williams (4-6, 9 pts), Cedrick Lindsay (4-4 FT, 7 pts), SBU's Eric Mosley (6-10, 17 pts), UR leads, 12-8, in points in the paint and teams are tied at 16 rebounds a piece.
Analysis: This is looking like a bounce-back game for Williams, who's playing in just his third game back since missing nine games with a leg injury. He's showing the aggressiveness the Spiders need from him, and it's paying off, despite that aggressiveness resulting in a technical foul toward the end of the half. Richmond has played well overall on the offensive end and would be ahead by more, but SBU's Mosley in keeping his team competitive. He's hit three three-pointers and is hitting contested jumpers. Aside from Williams, freshman forward Terry Allen had a great first half, picking up 6 points and 3 rebounds, but more importantly, playing lights out defense. He's been guarding SBU leading scorer Demitrius Conger for much of the half, and Allen has been vital in frustrating him, as Conger finished with just 2 points and zero made field goals. Both teams are turning it over more than their coaches would probably like, with UR and SBU finishing with 9 and 10, respectively.
What to look for in the second half: If Richmond can keep Conger contained as well as it did in the first half, look for the Spiders to run away with this game. I don't see Mosley continuing to hit shots at the rate he did in the first half, and those two appear to be the only big-time scoring threats at this point. Meanwhile, the Spiders are showing great ball movement and getting good shots and even some easy layups on the offensive end. Look for Allen to have a big offensive half to, as hard work on the defensive end often results in opportunities on the offensive end. UR coach Chris Mooney will probably also want to capitalize on Williams's solid start so that he can get his confidence up heading into the final stretch of the season. So look for the ball to go inside to him on the majority of possessions.
Contact staff writer David Weissman at david.weissman@richmond.edu
Support independent student media
You can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the button below, which takes you to our secure PayPal account. The page is set up to receive contributions in whatever amount you designate. We look forward to using the money we raise to further our mission of providing honest and accurate information to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others in the general public.
Donate NowRead More
Baseball sweeps George Washington University
By Erica Rogers | 20 hours ago
Spiders’ Comeback Overwhelms GWU
By Scott Valentine | 2 days ago