University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Massachusetts
Dominant First Half Secures Spiders' Win
01/24/2009 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 24, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. -
Five Spiders scored in double-figures as Richmond (16-4, 4-1) rolled past Massachusetts (8-12, 1-4), 82-68 Saturday afternoon at the Robins Center. Freshman Sam Bilney was one assist shy of a triple-double.
Bilney ended the game with 10 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.
"I didn't do anything special," said Bilney. "I just did what I needed to do to get a win for the team. This helps our confidence going into Charlotte."
"I don't have words for what Sam does for our team," said head coach Michael Shafer. "She gives us great effort and hustle and is deserving of all the credit today."
Four other Spiders joined Bilney in double-figures led by sophomore Brittani Shells' game-high 20 points. The last time Richmond had five players score in double-figures was a 75-72 double-overtime loss to St. Bonaventure on Feb. 24, 2006.
Richmond came out sluggish at the beginning of the first half, falling behind 26-18 at the 8:40 mark. Richmond evened the score 28-28 at the 6:09 mark after a lay-up by Shells. Shells then stole the inbounds pass and scored another lay-up to put the Spiders on top, 30-28. The spark proved to be just what the Spiders' needed as they went on to score 16 unanswered points. Massachusetts would not score again until 2:00 mark. The Spiders scored a season-high 51 points in the first half.
"We lacked a little bit of energy to start the first half," said Shafer. "I thought we recovered nicely, and didn't look back."
Richmond led by as many as 18 in the second half, before the Minutewomen whittled the lead to only eight. Richmond quickly regained control after a Abby Oliver lay-up pushed the score to 68-58 with 7:58 remaining in the game. Of the eight wins Richmond owns in the series, seven have been won by a double-digit margin. The Spiders remain a perfect 4-0 versus the Massachusetts at home.
Sakera Young led Massachusetts with 16 points. Stephanie Gerardot, the second-leading scorer in the Atlantic 10, was held to just seven points.
Richmond remains at home as Charlotte comes to the Robins Center Tuesday. Tip-off is slated for noon, as part of Elementary School Day.
