University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Saint Louis
McKnight Delivers On Senior Day; Spiders Receive Bye In Atlantic 10 Tournament
03/01/2009 | Women's Basketball
March 1, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. -
Senior Johanna McKnight's double-double led Richmond past Saint Louis, 66-58 Sunday. Richmond received a first round bye in the Atlantic 10 Tournament and plays Saturday at 2:30 p.m. against the winner of the GW/Rhode Island game.
The Spiders (21-8, 9-5) started the game on a 8-0 run, six of the eight points coming from McKnight. The Billikens (12-17, 6-8) tied the game 10-10 after an Amanda Kemezys lay-up with 14:31 remaining. Richmond and Saint Louis traded baskets until the Spiders' 11-0 run broke open the lead.
The Spiders held the Billikens scoreless for six minutes, leading 33-21 at the 1:22 mark. Richmond boosted its lead to 35-21 after a Brittani Shells jumper with 50 seconds remaining.
"I thought we played well defensively," said head coach Michael Shafer. "We contested their shots and Jo was absolutely tremendous for us."
McKnight led all scorers at the break with 11, and ended her night recording the fourth double-double of her career with a 19-point, 10-rebound performance.
"This win means a lot," said McKnight. "We wanted to show we're the best defensive team in the conference. We've earned our respect back with the bye."
Richmond led by as many as 25 in the second half, before Saint Louis went on a run of its own. The Billikens outscored the Spiders 21-5 to whittle the lead to 59-51 with 2:10 remaining. Richmond recovered with two made free throws by Crystal Goring to push the lead back to double digits, 61-51. A McKnight jumper ten seconds later sealed the win for the Spiders.
"I'm glad we got this win for the seniors," said Shafer. "This is the game they will remember the most, and I can't thank them enough for what they've done for us."
Senior Augustina Zygaite played 15 minutes, scored one point and grabbed three rebounds. Sophomore Brittani Shells had her best game post-injury, scoring a game-high 20 points.
"It's good to be back in the flow of things," said Shells. "We needed this win and we'll be ready for the tournament."
The Spiders recorded their first win over Saint Louis since 2006. Richmond forced 24 Saint Louis turnovers.
Richmond will face the winner of the George Washington/Rhode Island game Saturday at Halton Arena in Charlotte. Tip is slated for 2:30 p.m.
