University of Richmond Athletics
Women's Basketball Defeats Portugal National Team 57-53.
08/30/2004 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 30, 2004
The University of Richmond women's basketball team ended their overseas trip with a 57-53 victory over the Portuguese National Team. It marked the second win for the Spiders over Portugal.
Richmond's victory over the Portugal National Team cannot be explained by looking at the box score as the two teams posted nearly identical numbers in rebounds, steals, assists, turnoversand shooting percentage. In fact, the only significant difference was in the final score, Richmond 57, Portugal 53.
The Spiders won the game by taking care of the intangibles, the things that are not recorded asstatistics on a box score. They maintained their composure throughout the extremely physical, loosely officiated contest. and elevated their defensive intensity,forcing Portugal to make poor decisions on offense. In addition, they were able to execute their own offense in the final minutes.
"This game simulated the type of pressure we are going to see in conference play, so it's exciting to see our team respond. It was an entire team effort," said head coach Joanne Boyle.
Portugal fought until the final buzzer, slicing a 10 point Richmond lead to three with five minutes to play. While the Spiders received balanced scoring from their entire squad, it was senior Kate Flavin that stepped up in the final minute with a layup and a free throw to put Richmond ahead by four points and seal the victory.
Flavin paced the team's scoring with 13, and Saona Chapman added nine pointsalong witha strong defensive effort. Alison Mitchell netted eigtht points, while Araceli Gil, DeUnna Hendrix and Christina Campion contributed six points each.
Richmond's victory over the Portugal National team ended its Iberian tour in Spain and Portugal. Awaiting them in Richmond are two very challenging opponents,classes and preseason conditioning, and four excited newcomers, three of whom hail from overseas.
Fans of the Spiders will have to wait until November to see the team back in action. However, if their performances in Spain and Portugal are any indication, it will be well worth the wait!
