University of Richmond Athletics
A Spider Holiday Carol
12/22/2004 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 22, 2004
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RICHMOND (4-3) vs. #7 PITTSBURGH (8-0)
Petersen Events Center - 7 p.m.
TV: espn2
Radio: Spider Sports Network (Sportsradio 910 in Richmond)
Internet: www.RichmondSpiders.com
PITTSBURGH - Twas two days before Christmas and all through the nation's houses, an eight-legged creature was stirring ... no, it wasn't a mouse. Next to your stockings that hang from the chimney with care, espn2 will be broadcasting the Spiders and their attempt to defeat a top-10 opponent on the road for the second straight year.
A sold-out crowd will be nestled, all snug in their seats, with visions of alley-oops and three-pointers dancing in their head.
Coach Wainwright will be calling: "On Jamaal, on Patrick, On Kevin and Jermaine ... to the basket we go. Stance, contest, get in the flow!"
As Bob Picozzi and Len Elmore open the telecast, all fans are sure to hear, "Happy Basketball to all, and to all a good game."
STORYLINES
*The Spiders and Panthers haven't met in 66 years. Pittsburgh won the first meeting in
Richmond's Millhiser Gymnasium. The court is still used today for intramurals and to
host special events.
*Richmond is 31-41 (.431) all-time in its game prior to Christmas. The Spiders have lost
their last two games before the holiday, including a 57-56 defeat against Providence on
Dec. 23 last year. Richmond's last win in their pre-Christmas game was Dec. 22, 2001
against Southwest Missouri State (67-60).
*The Spiders are 0-3 all-time on Dec. 23, including last year's home loss to Providence.
Richmond's other Dec. 23 games came in 1981 (78-83 at South Carolina) and 1993 (78-
85 at California).
*Richmond's 96 points against UAB was its highest point total under Wainwright and the
most since 97 against Radford on Nov. 17, 2000. The Spiders' 59 second-half points
against UAB were the most in a half since scoring 60 against the Highlanders.
*Junior Jermaine Bucknor earned Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Week after scoring a
career-high 22 against UAB. He also established career highs for field goals (8), three-point field goals (5) and assists (5).
*The Spiders and Panthers would have played in the NCAA Tournament's second round
if Richmond had defeated Wisconsin last March.
