University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Uppsala Basket
Women's Basketball Drops Thriller, 70-69, In Scandinavian Opener
08/12/2010 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 12, 2010
UPPSALA, Sweden -
Brittani Shells scored a game-high 25 points, including 18 in the second half, but the Spiders fell to Uppsala Basket, 70-69 in their Scandinavian opener Thursday evening at the Fyrishov Complex in Uppsala, Sweden.
Richmond fell behind 9-2 early, but fought its way back courtesy of Abby Oliver's hot hand. The game was divided into four 10-minute quarters, with a one-minute break between each quarter and a three-minute halftime. Richmond trailed 16-12 after the first frame, but found its rhythm and knotted the score at 18-18 with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Uppsala responded to the threat with solid defense and long-range shots to take a 32-27 advantage at halftime. Uppsala started the third quarter on a tear, pushing its lead to the largest of the game at 44-32 with six minutes remaining.
Richmond then went on a scoring onslaught of its own by reverting to what it knows - tough defense creating easy transition baskets. The Spiders scored six in a row, jumpstarted by a Shells steal and Crystal Goring jumper.
Shells moved her Spiders ahead for the first time in the game, 56-55, after a long three-pointer. The Camden, Delaware native was business as usual, scoring 12 of Richmond's 14 points in the first five minutes of the last quarter. Uppsala buckled down its defense and caused a couple timely turnovers in the last minute to secure the win.
Oliver added 11 points.
Up Next: After a boat tour around Stockholm, Richmond returns to action Friday against the Solna Vikings at noon ET.
