The Collegian
Friday, March 29, 2024

Photo story: Jones leads Spiders to opening-night win in front of sold-out crowd

<p>Jones shoots a jumper during Richmond's win over VMI Friday night.&nbsp;</p>

Jones shoots a jumper during Richmond's win over VMI Friday night. 


Richmond freshman De’Monte Buckingham warms up before Richmond men’s basketball’s first game of the season against Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in the Robins Center at University of Richmond. 



Alexandra Smith performs with the SpinnURs dance team at the game.



VMI’s Fred Iruafemi and Richmond’s Marshall Wood jump for the opening tip.


Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter


Richmond’s ShawnDre’ Jones shoots in the first period. Jones led the Spiders to an opening-night win with 31 points on just 13 shot attempts. 



The Richmond Spiders huddle during a time out.



Richmond’s Grant Golden defends VMI’s Tyler Creammer.



Richmond’s Joe Kirby cheers on his teammates in the first period.



VMI’s QJ Peterson tries to get past Richmond guard Khwan Fore in the first period. Fore scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds in the game. 



Richmond’s Julius Johnson prepares to get a rebound after a free throw in the first few minutes of the first period.



Peterson dunks after a fast break down the court with under five minutes left in the first period. He scored 18 points and had eight rebounds. 



Richmond freshman Grant Golden jumps to defend Peterson with a few minutes remaining in the first period.



The Robins Center was packed with more than 7,000 fans for the Spiders' first game of the season.



Richmond forward T.J. Cline makes a layup a few minutes into the second period, bringing the lead to 30-25 for Richmond. Cline scored 15 points and had five assists. 



VMI’s Fred Iruafemi defends Fore.



Richmond senior Marshall Wood talks to head coach Chris Mooney on the sideline.



Christian Stoinev and Scooby, an America’s Got Talent 2014 finalist act, perform at the halftime show.



Spiders fans cheer on the players in the opening game of the season. 



VMI forward Trey Chapman takes a free throw to make the score 30-26 in Richmond's favor.



Andrei Buna of the Richmond Rowdies cheers on the Spiders.



Cline encourages his teammates in the last few minutes of the game.



Mooney watches with anticipation in the last few minutes of the game.



With three seconds left in the game, Jones takes a free throw, bringing the Spiders to a 72-69 victory. 

Contact photo editor Alice Millerchip at alice.millerchip@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 Now