University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Rhode Island
Second-Half Surge Lifts Spiders Over Rhody, 66-53
01/16/2011 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 16, 2011
KINGSTON, R.I. -
Abby Oliver poured in a season-high 24 points, while Brittani Shells added 17 as Richmond (12-5, 3-0) used a second-half push to run past Rhode Island, 66-53, Sunday afternoon at the Ryan Center.
Richmond trailed Rhody, 23-22 at the break and shot a sluggish 27 percent from the field, but the last frame was a different story as the Spiders relied on Oliver's hot hand to take the lead.
The two teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the second half, but the momentum seemed to be swinging the Spiders' way after Rhode Island continued to turn the ball over and Richmond continued to capitalize.
The Spiders broke the game open with a 12-4 run around the 16 minute mark to push the advantage to 42-32. Oliver accounted for eight of the points and two steals in this crucial run.
Richmond pushed its lead to as many as 15 after a Shells layup made it 49-34 with 11:40 left. The Rams would get to within 49-37, two possessions later, but would get no closer.
Oliver finished her stellar day with 10-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-3 from long range, four assists and two steals.
Shells recorded a game-high four steals to go along with 17 tallies. Goring recorded her seventh double-double of her career, second of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Richmond improved to 12-5 overall, 3-0 in A-10 play. The Spiders have won three straight and eight of their last nine.
Richmond had 26 points off Ram turnovers and tied a season-low with 12 turnovers of its own.
The Spiders recorded 17 fast break points and 34 points in the paint. Richmond also had a game-high 12 steals.
The Spiders look to protect their undefeated A-10 mark at Duquesne Wednesday at 7 p.m.
