University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Wachovia Challenge Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Upends Richmond, 77-74 At The Wachovia Challenge
12/27/2000 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 2, 2000
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Tech placed five players in double figures and received two double-doubles from senior forward Tere Williams (19 points and 11 rebounds) as well as junior forward Sarah Hicks (16 points and 10 rebounds) to post a 77-74 victory over Richmond at the Wachovia Challenge today at the Robins Center.
Joining the tandem in double figures for the Hokies (5-1, 0-0 BIG EAST) were senior guard Amy Wetzel with 13 points, junior guard Chrystal Starling with 11 points and freshman center Ieva Kublina with 10 points. Sophomore center Krystn Gull (Asheville, N.C./Erwin) delivered 19 points to lead the Spiders, while junior point guard Michele Koclanes (Pelham, N.Y./Pelham Memorial) registered 17 points. Richmond senior guard Candice Edwards (Newport News, Va./Menchville) had 13 points.
In a first half that featured nine lead changes, Virginia Tech owned a 36-35 advantage at intermission, bolstered by Hicks ten points. The Spiders owned a 43-39 lead with 17:17 remaining in the contest following a Gull three-pointer. From that point, the Hokies outscored Richmond 31-16 and led 70-59 with 5:52 to go.
The Spiders (2-4, 0-0 Colonial Athletic Association) proceeded to stage a furious rally in the ensuing minutes and narrowed the margin to two points at 75-73 following a Gull jumper just outside the elbow of the lane. With Virginia Tech inbounding the ball under their own basket, Spider freshman guard Amber Goppert (Constable, N.Y./Franklin Academy) played the passing lane perfectly, snuck in, stole the ball and was fouled as she attempted to tie the game with 4.8 seconds on the clock. Goppert converted one of two free throws to make it 75-74.
Richmond fouled immediately and Virginia Tech led 77-74 with just 2.2 seconds on the clock. A desperation three-point attempt by the Spiders fell short as time expired.
"I couldn't be more proud of how hard our kids played today," said Richmond head coach Bob Foley. "They fought hard all the way and continued to persevere. We can take a lot of positives from the game and I think this experience can only benefit our basketball team in the future."
The Spiders defense forced 28 Virginia Tech turnovers, but the Hokies won the battle of the boards, 45-28.
Richmond opens its conference schedule on Saturday, December 9, hosting George Mason at 4 p.m.
