University of Richmond
Texas Tech
Gritty Effort Comes Up Short Against Texas Tech, 79-72
12/17/2016 | Men's Basketball
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond displayed a number of gritty performances from its underclassmen, but they weren't enough to overcome Texas Tech of the Big 12, 79-72, on Saturday afternoon in the Robins Center.
Sophomore Khwan Fore and freshman De'Monte Buckingham combined for 35 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, but it wasn't enough as the Red Raiders (10-1) pulled it out late in the second half for the seven-point victory over Richmond (5-5).
Buckingham's performance marked new career highs in points (16) and three-pointers made (3), while Fore tied his career high of 19 points.
Richmond's senior leaders, T.J. Cline and ShawnDre' Jones, both scored in double-figures with 11 and 14 respectively, while Cline also added nine rebounds on the afternoon.
“Texas Tech is obviously a very good team and very athletic,” head coach Chris Mooney said. “I thought we competed and did some things very well, but just not enough to beat a team at that level.”
Richmond shot 45.5 percent from the field, hitting three-pointers. Texas Tech's scoring came in the paint with only two three-pointers hit. Devon Thomas (17) and Zach Smith (17) led the Red Raider scoring effort.
After the Red Raiders grabbed a 25-20 lead in the first, back-to-back three-pointers from Jones and Buckingham gave the Spiders a lead they wouldn't relinquish the rest of the half.
Behind Buckingham's three three-pointers and career-high 13 first-half points, Richmond took a 37-36 advantage into the break.
The Spiders would keep momentum on their side to start the second half with a three-pointer from Cline to grab their biggest lead of the day at 40-36.
However, the Red Raiders' interior presence sparked a run that opened a double-digit lead midway through the second half.
Richmond would get the lead down to three on two occasions, but the Red Raiders converted their free throws late to seal the 79-72 victory.
The Spiders are back in action on Tuesday when they travel to JMU for an in-state rivalry game. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.
