University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Charlotte
Richmond Edged By Charlotte, 62-55
01/27/2009 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. -
Despite an impressive second-half run, Richmond (16-5, 4-2) fell to Charlotte (14-6, 5-1) 62-55 Tuesday afternoon in the Robins Center. Sophomore Brittani Shells scored a team-high 15 points.
Charlotte controlled most of the first half, as guard Shannon McCallum scored 13 points. The 49ers went into the locker room with a 29-23 advantage, marking the first time Richmond has trailed at the break since starting conference play.
A lay-up by Ashya Jones pushed the Charlotte lead to 33-25 with 16:26 remaining. The Spiders battled back, going on an 11-2 run. Richmond took it's first lead, 36-35 off a three-pointer by freshman Sam Bilney as time expired.
"I'm proud of the way we fought back," said Bilney. "Towards the end of the game, we took some contested shots and forced our offense."
Charlotte responded with an 8-0 run of its own, sparked by two consecutive lay-ups by Danielle Burgin.
"We needed some defensive stops today," said head coach Michael Shafer. "We couldn't come up with it."
Richmond would come within one point, 53-52 at the 3:34 mark thanks to a jumper by Shells.
Charlotte's Tracy Ray sunk a three-pointer at the top of the key to push the score to 56-52 at the 1:42 mark. The 49ers would score the next four points to seal the win.
Bilney added 11 points and senior Johanna McKnight chipped in with 10 points.
Both Shannon McCallum and Danielle Burgin recorded double-doubles for Charlotte. McCallum ended with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Burgin added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Richmond travels to Duquesne on Sunday. Tip-off is slated for noon and will be televised on CBS Sports.
