University of Richmond Athletics
Saturday, January 9
Fairfax, VA
12:00 PM
University of Richmond
9-3,3-1Atlantic 10
77
at
57
George Mason
5-5,1-3Atlantic 10
1
2
F
Richmond
35
42
77
George Mason
26
31
57
Spiders Rise Above George Mason With Defense, Rebounding
01/09/2021 | Men's Basketball
FAIRFAX, Va. – Richmond allowed its fewest points in nearly a year and collected a season-best 12 offensive rebounds to knock off George Mason 77-57 Saturday afternoon at EagleBank Arena. George Mason's 57 points were the fewest by any Spider opponent since February 19, 2020, when the Patriots scored 50 in a loss to Richmond.
"I thought that was the most important part of the game," said Spiders head coach Chris Mooney of his team's ball pressure, which resulted in 19 George Mason turnovers. "I thought the ball pressure and our ball-screen defense was excellent. That was our most complete defensive game."
Richmond's defensive pressure was evident from the opening tip, as George Mason's first two possessions ended with steals by Jacob Gilyard. On the other side of the court, Grant Golden scored Richmond's first six points as the Spiders opened the game on a 16-5 run.
Richmond extended its lead to as many as 14 before George Mason rallied to close the gap to single digits at halftime, with the Spiders up 35-26.
George Mason chipped away at Richmond's edge early in the second half, getting as close as four at 46-42 with 13 minutes to play. But the Spiders responded with an 11-2 run to build its lead back to 13 and never trailed by fewer than 10 down the stretch, winning 77-57. Richmond's 20-point margin of victory was its largest this season.
George Mason's 19 turnovers led to 31 points by the Spiders, the most by Richmond since November 2019 against Vanderbilt (34).
Golden led all players with 18 points and 10 rebounds for his 16th career double-double. The Spiders senior passed mentor T.J. Cline for eighth on Richmond's career points list. He also moved into sixth place on Richmond's career rebounds list, moving ahead of Mike Perry.
Forward Tyler Burton added 17 points and eight rebounds and guard Jacob Gilyard scored 15 points while leading all players with five assists and five steals.
"To be the offensive team that we know we can be we need scoring from all levels," said Golden. "We need guys scoring inside. We need guys slashing. We need our shooters knocking down shots. … When we're able to do that it's really hard for teams to guard us."
At 9-3, Richmond has tied its second-best 12-game start in 16 seasons under Chris Mooney, trailing only last year's 10-2 start.
The Spiders have won three straight vs George Mason, their longest win streak in the series since 1997-98. Richmond has now won each of its last four A-10 road games, the Spiders longest road conference win streak since 2010-11.
Richmond is scheduled to return to action Saturday at the Robins Center against VCU. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 PM on CBS Sports Network.
"I thought that was the most important part of the game," said Spiders head coach Chris Mooney of his team's ball pressure, which resulted in 19 George Mason turnovers. "I thought the ball pressure and our ball-screen defense was excellent. That was our most complete defensive game."
Richmond's defensive pressure was evident from the opening tip, as George Mason's first two possessions ended with steals by Jacob Gilyard. On the other side of the court, Grant Golden scored Richmond's first six points as the Spiders opened the game on a 16-5 run.
Richmond extended its lead to as many as 14 before George Mason rallied to close the gap to single digits at halftime, with the Spiders up 35-26.
George Mason chipped away at Richmond's edge early in the second half, getting as close as four at 46-42 with 13 minutes to play. But the Spiders responded with an 11-2 run to build its lead back to 13 and never trailed by fewer than 10 down the stretch, winning 77-57. Richmond's 20-point margin of victory was its largest this season.
George Mason's 19 turnovers led to 31 points by the Spiders, the most by Richmond since November 2019 against Vanderbilt (34).
Golden led all players with 18 points and 10 rebounds for his 16th career double-double. The Spiders senior passed mentor T.J. Cline for eighth on Richmond's career points list. He also moved into sixth place on Richmond's career rebounds list, moving ahead of Mike Perry.
Forward Tyler Burton added 17 points and eight rebounds and guard Jacob Gilyard scored 15 points while leading all players with five assists and five steals.
"To be the offensive team that we know we can be we need scoring from all levels," said Golden. "We need guys scoring inside. We need guys slashing. We need our shooters knocking down shots. … When we're able to do that it's really hard for teams to guard us."
At 9-3, Richmond has tied its second-best 12-game start in 16 seasons under Chris Mooney, trailing only last year's 10-2 start.
The Spiders have won three straight vs George Mason, their longest win streak in the series since 1997-98. Richmond has now won each of its last four A-10 road games, the Spiders longest road conference win streak since 2010-11.
Richmond is scheduled to return to action Saturday at the Robins Center against VCU. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 PM on CBS Sports Network.
Team Stats
UR
GMU
FG%
.446
.451
3FG%
.381
.267
FT%
.846
.778
RB
34
33
TO
8
19
STL
13
3
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
18
FGM
7
3FGM
0
FTM
4
Pts
17
FGM
6
3FGM
2
FTM
3
Pts
15
FGM
5
3FGM
3
FTM
2
Pts
13
FGM
5
3FGM
2
FTM
1
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's BasketballChris Mooney Mic'd Up
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