University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Rhode Island
Richmond Edges Rhode Island, 59-54
02/14/2009 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 14, 2009
KINGSTON, R.I. -
A dominant performance from sophomore Crystal Goring led Richmond (18-7, 6-4) past Rhode Island (9-16, 2-8) 59-54, Saturday afternoon at the Ryan Center. Goring finished with a career-high 24 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds.
Richmond started the game on a 9-0 run before the Rams went on a scoring spree of their own, tying the game at 11-11 off a Megan Shoniker three-pointer at the 13:04 mark. Richmond and Rhode Island traded baskets before the Spiders went into the locker room with a 31-30 advantage.
"Most importantly, we got a win on the road," said head coach Michael Shafer. "Games are so important late in the season. It was nice to come out with a win. My concern was our effort on the defensive end."
The first half was all Goring and senior Johanna McKnight, as they accounted for 25 of Richmond's 31 points. McKnight was 5-for-6 from the field, including 3-of-4 from long range.
"I played more aggressively," said Goring. "It's an important time of the season for us and we can't hold back. We'll continue to work on our defense so we are well prepared for Dayton."
The second half was much like the first, with no team leading by more than four points, before Richmond edged ahead 53-50 off a three-pointer by freshman Rachael Bilney. Rhode Island's Lindsay Harris' jumper would cut the lead to 53-52, but the Rams would get no closer.
Richmond owned the boards, outrebounding the Rams by a 42-21 margin. The Spiders have defeated the Rams nine straight games.
The Spiders return to action when Dayton comes to the Robins Center Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
