University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
vs. Arkansas State (Colonial Classic)
Men's Basketball Misfires Against Arkansas State
12/03/2005 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 3, 2005
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Richmond men's basketball team was unable to capitalize on the momentum from their win over Seton Hall on Thursday night, falling to Arkansas State 56-37 in the Colonial Classic.
The Spiders couldn't put together any type of run in a game played in front of an almost empty 18,000-seat Freedom Hall. Richmond was still able to hang in the game, but Arkansas State scored eight-unanswered points to end the contest.
"We're disappointed in the effort and intensity," Richmond head coach Chris Mooney said. "I wish we were able to capitalize on the Seton Hall victory. The lack of intensity and effort just wasn't there. We have to take pride in what we're doing. We can't need any outside things to motivate us. You have to be able to motivate yourself, and set goals for both you and your team."
Richmond's defense, which had allowed just 49.5 points per game coming into the game, was not as effective against a very athletic Arkansas State squad. Arkansas State hit 4-of-5 shots from behind the 3-point arc and Brett Ballard finished the game with five 3-pointers. The Spiders still haven't allowed an opponent to score 60 points this season. Arkansas State entered the game averaging 75 points per game.
The Spiders did not display the confidence they had showed in running the Princeton offense in their last two victories. Richmond committed a season-high 19 turnovers - after having just nine against Seton Hall on Thursday - and got to the foul line just twice.
"I don't think that was Richmond basketball, at least I hope not," Mooney said. "We did not take pride in what we were doing out there. We have to work hard and keep progressing. Today was definitely a step back."
Richmond did not have any players reach double figures in scoring. Senior Kevin Steenberge led the Spiders with nine points, hitting 4-of-8 shots from the field, including a 3-pointer for the third-straight game. Steenberge has made 11-of-19 shots (.579) over the past two games.
Fellow senior Jermaine Bucknor had eight points hitting two 3-pointers, the eighth time in the last nine games he has connected on multiple treys.
The Spiders led 6-0 after 3-pointers b Jarhon Giddings and Steenberge. Arkansas State then went on a 14-2 run to take a 14-8 lead with 12:11 remaining in the first half and pushed their lead to double digits (28-18) with 2:22 to go in the half. Two lay-ups in the final 1:38 gave the Indians a 14-point (32-18) halftime lead.
Arkansas State's lead stayed in double digits until a steal and fast-break dunk by Bucknor pulled Richmond to within nine (44-35) with 7:26 remaining in the game. The Indians answered right back with a lay-up to regain the double-digit advantage and while a lay-up by Gaston Moliva pulled the Spiders within 11 with 4:25 to play, Arkansas State scored eight-unanswered points to close the game.
Richmond will continue its most rigorous stretch of games since 1920 when it plays Prairie View A&M on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The Spiders are in the midst of playing four games in five days, including three-straight in Louisville's Colonial Classic. Prairie View A&M lost to No. 6 ranked Louisville 90-65 Saturday. Richmond will take on the No. 6 ranked Cardinals on Monday at 7 p.m.
