University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
VCU
Oliver, Shells Spark Spiders Over Cross-Town Rival VCU, 66-52
12/06/2009 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 6, 2009
RICHMOND, Va. -
Sophomore Abby Oliver scored 15 points off the bench, while junior Brittani Shells recorded her first career double-double en route to Richmond's (7-2) 66-52 victory over cross-town foe VCU (3-2) Sunday afternoon at the Siegel Center.
Shells poured in a game-high 18 points, while pulling down a career-best 11 boards, and junior Kara Powell chipped in with 10 points and four assists.
"This was a big game for us," said Shells. "They're doing well. We're doing well. We really wanted this win. It's great any time you can get a win against a rival."
Both teams struggled offensively in the opening minutes of the half with the score tied 4-4 with 13:30 left. Oliver gave Richmond its first lead after draining a three at the 12:23 mark. Oliver drilled another three-pointer and converted an and-one opportunity to put the Spiders up 13-12 with 9:30 remaining.
"We wanted to come out and really attack," said Oliver. "We wanted their defense to draw out on us so we could find the open shooter. We did a pretty good job of doing that. They're probably one of our biggest rivals, so it's great to come out with a win."
Oliver scored nine of Richmond's first 13 points and ended the first half with 12 points after a stellar 4-for-6 from the field, including 2-for-2 from long range.
The Spiders took the lead for good after breaking a 17-17 tie after senior Danielle Bell sank a three-pointer at the top of the key. Richmond went on a 6-0 run to boost its lead to 23-17 with 4:47 remaining.
"I can't be more proud of the way we defended the ball," said head coach Michael Shafer. "I'm so very proud of our rebounding effort. We really cleaned up the glass. We only allowed two offensive rebounds in the second half which I believe was the difference-maker. I'm glad the girls are realizing consistency is key. I'm very pleased with our effort today."
The Spiders took their largest lead of the game after a three-pointer by Shells upped the advantage to 47-31 with 12:31 remaining. The Rams inched within a 10-point deficit twice, but could not overcome the Spiders' hot hand.
Richmond ended the game a season-best 8-for-18 from long range, as four Spiders sank multiple three-pointers.
The Spiders owned the glass by a staggering 52-35 margin. Richmond moved to 4-1 against CAA opponents this season.
Richmond recorded its first win at the Siegel Center since 2004, and Shafer moved to 3-2 against the Rams.
The Spiders host Georgetown Saturday at noon at the Robins Center.
