University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
XAVIER
Women's Basketball Drops 63-53 Decision To Xavier
02/15/2007 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 15, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Despite rallying back to close a 13-point deficit to just one, the Richmond women's basketball team was unable to finalize its comeback and dropped a 63-53 decision to Xavier on Thursday night at the Robins Center.
Spider freshman guard Christina Campion also put up double figures, finishing with 10 points to go along with five rebounds in 37 minutes played.
"Kara is a warrior," stated Richmond head coach Michael Shafer. "She played super; attacking the basket and running our offense. She was excellent."
Freshman Katie Holzer led the Spiders on the boards, pulling nine rebounds, in addition to adding eight points, while teammates Johanna McKnight and Sarah Williams also added eight points apiece.
Richmond's only lead came off the game's first bucket, a lay-up from freshman forward Nikita Thomas just over one minute into regulation. Joei Clyburn led the Musketeers opening run (15-2), putting in eight of her 12 first-half points in the first 8:30 of play.
Despite facing a 34-24 deficit at halftime, the Spiders cut the visitor lead to just one point at the 8:14 mark in the second half following a 6-0 run that included four points from Powell. Powell finished 6-for-8 from the floor but fouled out with 34 seconds left as the Musketeers had taken back a strong lead.
The Musketeers (20-7, 8-3 in A10), with four scorers in double figures, were led by 10-time A-10 Rookie of the Week honoree Amber Harris, pacing Xavier with a game-high 17 points and a stunning 11 blocks in 39 minutes played.
Clyburn followed, recording a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Michele Miller and Miranda Green chipping in 13 and 10 points, respectively, as the Musketeers garnered their fourth-straight win and sixth in the last seven games.
Xavier went 14-of-28 (50%) in the first half from the field but Richmond's defensive intensity forced the Musketeers to a 33% second half effort and a final line of 3-for-17 from beyond the arc. And although the Musketeers held a 24-25 advantage on the boards in the first half, the Spiders came back to out-rebound Xavier 26-22 in the second half.
The Spiders (11-15, 5-6 in A-10) will resume play on Sunday at Rhode Island (6-19, 4-7 in A-10) in their final road trip of the regular season, tipping off with the Rams at 2:00 p.m. Live coverage for all of the Spiders' contests will be available at RichmondSpiders.com.
