University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
CHARLOTTE
Charlotte Edges Women's Basketball, 65-60
01/18/2007 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 18, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond, with four scorers in double figures, overcame an early 13-point deficit to hold a lead during part of the second half, but eventually fell to Charlotte, 65-60, on Thursday night at the Robins Center.
Richmond freshman forward Nikita Thomas recorded her third career double-double with a game-high 11 rebounds and 10 points on 5-for-6 shooting. Redshirt sophomore guard Johanna McKnight, who leads the Spiders in scoring during A-10 Conference play, was one board shy of notching a double-double, tallying 12 points and a career-high nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
Despite falling behind 19-6 early on in the first half, the Spiders rallied back with a 13-0 run to tie the game. During the scoring stretch, freshman guard Kara Powell contributed consecutive buckets - a three-pointer and a fast-break lay-up in the span of 21 seconds. Powell finished the game with 12 points, two assists and two steals.
Richmond entered halftime down 38-31, but came out strong in the second half to tie the game 45-45 with 12:40 remaining. Charlotte junior guard Sabrina Gregory scored 10 of her 24 points from that moment on but the Spider offense did not back down from the challenge. Richmond's bench outscored its Charlotte's counterpart, 24-9, helping the Spiders stay close throughout the contest.
A three-pointer from Powell broke the 45-45 tie and gave Richmond its largest lead of the game (three) and the Spider advantage lasted from the 10:31 mark to 7:34 remaining in regulation.
Charlotte (13-6, 4-0 in A-10) received a strong effort from sophomore center Danielle Burgin, who notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Richmond's starting forward, redshirt junior Christina Campion, succeeded with her post play against the 49ers, amassing 10 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
The Spiders held advantages over the 49ers in assists, 13-9, and rebounds, 42-37.
Richmond (8-11, 2-2 in A-10) will return to action on Sunday, challenging St. Bonaventure at noon (originally scheduled for 2:00 p.m.) at the Robins Center. The game will be nationally televised by CSTV. Live coverage for Sunday's contests will be available at RichmondSpiders.com.
