University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond and VCU face off in Women's Basketball City Challenge
12/30/2003 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 30, 2003
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UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The University of Richmond women's basketball team concludes the non-conference portion of their schedule on Wednesday, December 31 at 2:00 p.m. when they host VCU in the annual Massey Cancer Center Showcase. Donations will be accepted at the game or through the mail with all procceds going to the Massey Cancer Center. All fans will be admitted free of charge and Southern Financial Bank will sponsor a New Year's Eve Party for childen.
Meeting for the 80th time, the Spiders (7-3) look to defend their City Challenge title afer claiming four consecutive victories over the Rams (3-4). Richmond defeated CAA member William & Mary on Sunday as Kate Flavin recorded her fifth double-double of the season with a 19-point, 10-rebound performance.
VCU is coming off a 63-50 win over Mt. Saint Mary's on December 20. Senior Cyndy Wilks leads the team in scoring, averaging 19.9 ppg, and is one of two Ram players to average double-figures.
GAME NOTES
The Series
Today's game marks the 80th meeting between the two schools with Richmond holding a 45-34 advantage. The series dates to 1941 when the Spiders recorded a 29-9 win over the Rams (then known as RPI). Richmond has won four consecutive contests, including last season's 79-51 victory at the Robins Center.
The Coaches
Richmond head coach Joanne Boyle is in her second season on the Spider sidelines and owns a 28-14 overall mark. After serving as an assistant with the Rams for two years, first-year head coach Beth Cunningham owns a 3-4 record.
Double-Trouble
Junior Kate Flavin has recorded 26 career double-doubles including five this season, which leads the conference. In the past two years, Richmond has won 15 of the 21 games when Flavin has accomplished this. Last season, she was one of only three players in the conference to average a double-double with 14.5 points per game and 10.3 rebounds.
From Downtown
Sophomore Araceli Gil has hit at least one three-point basket in all ten of Richmond games this season. She connected on a career-high five in the Spiders' loss at LSU. She currently leads the team in made three-point baskets and ranks fifth in the conference, averaging 2.22 per outing.
Dishing it Out
The Spiders are currently leading the conference in assists and rank 21st in the nation. In the most recent stats, Saona Chapman ranks eight in the country in assists per game. Richmond finished tenth in the country last season, averaging 17.9 per game. They were less than one assist shy of SEC Champion LSU, who led the country at 18.7 per contest.
All Around Game
Senior Amber Goppert is currently ranked in the Top 10 in four different Spider career records. The guards is among Richmond best in points, assists, steals and free throws. She ranks among the Top Five in steals and is just five shy of claiming the fourth spot.
