University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Duquesne
Richmond Falls To Duquesne In OT
02/01/2009 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 1, 2009
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -
Duquesne's Kristi Little scored 19 second-half points as the Spiders fell 59-55 in overtime Sunday afternoon in the Palumbo Center. Senior Johanna McKnight led Richmond with 11 points.
After trailing 47-39 at the 6:32 mark, Richmond fought its way back to 49-46 after freshman Rachael Bilney drained a wide-open three at the top of the key with 2:39 remaining. Bilney hit another three to put cut the Duquesne advantage to 51-49.
"Coach said I was giving up the extra pass instead of shooting," said Bilney. "I kept that in the back of my mind and played more aggressively."
After a made lay-up by sophomore Crystal Goring tied the game at 51 all, Little drained a lay-up with 47 seconds remaining to put the Dukes up 53-51.
The Spiders never lost their composure, as junior Nikita Thomas drove in the lane and made a lay-up with 25 seconds remaining. Little tried her luck again as she drove and shot a jumper with four seconds left but could not connect.
"Defensively, we stepped up to the challenge," said head coach Michael Shafer. "We played a lot better than we have the past couple of games. I'm very proud of our team and the way they fought back against a very good basketball team."
Duquesne struck first in overtime when Little dished to Kelly Britcher for a lay-up to put the Dukes up 55-53. Richmond connected on its first basket when Goring made a lay-up at the 2:09 mark. Little would connect again with Britcher to give Duquesne the lead for good at 57-55.
"Our players responded well without Brittani," said Shafer. "Losing Sam took the wind out of our sails."
Sophomore point guard Brittani Shells did not start the game due to an injury. Shells is listed as day-to-day. Freshman Sam Bilney left the game late in the second half with an injury.
The Spiders caused 31 Duquesne turnovers, 18 of which came in the first half. Rachael Bilney tied a career-best with 10 points, going 3-for-6 from long range.
Little led Duquesne scoring with 21 points, including 12 points in a row.
