Spiders Unbothered by UNLV in Wire-to-Wire Win

Tuesday, November 21

Daytona Beach, FL

6:30 PM

University of Richmond

3-2,0-0Atlantic 10

UNLV

2-3,0-0Mountain West

UNLV

Richmond

11/21/2023 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Richmond Spiders scored the game's first 11 points to quickly jump in front of UNLV and coasted to an 82-65 win Tuesday in the third-place game at the Sunshine Slam.

The Spiders shot a season-high 60 percent from the field and made 9 of their 14 shots from three-point range. Richmond registered its best three-point field goal percentage in more than a decade. UR last made at least 64 percent of its three-pointers in a game on December 8, 2012 at James Madison (65 percent, 11-17). Richmond also recorded 20 assists, more than twice as many as UNLV.

"We want to share the ball and pass the ball to one another and play off of each other," said Spiders coach Chris Mooney. "In order to do that, you have to feel connected. I think that's shown up for us a lot so far this season and I think it's going to continue to get better."

Jordan King led Richmond with a game-high 21 points on 8-14 shooting from the field, including 4-5 from three-point range. King, who scored 23 points vs 18^th-ranked Colorado Monday, was named to the Sunshine Slam All-Tournament Team following the game.

Neal Quinn added 20 points, a team-high seven rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, matching a career high. Isaiah Bigelow scored 16 points and made his first seven shots, finishing 7-8 from floor. He also added seven rebounds as Richmond outrebounded the larger, longer UNLV 31-30.

"Isaiah gives us someone who's skilled and can shoot and pass and dribble but can also really go get the ball off the backboard," said Mooney.

Mike Walz was the fourth Spider in double figures, with a career-high 12 points on 4-4 shooting, including 2-2 from three-point range.

"That doesn't happen without a lot of hard work, a lot of extra work in the gym," said Mooney of Walz's deep range. Walz is now 4-5 from three-point range this season.

With starting point guard DeLonnie Hunt sidelined with a wrist injury, freshman Mikkel Tyne made his first career start. Dji Bailey also shifted to the backcourt, finishing with a career-high seven assists, three steals, and no turnovers.

"I thought Dji was superb," said Mooney. "He's so versatile and can make plays. He's so fluid and athletic."

Richmond will return to action Saturday at the Robins Center, hosting Queens at 7 PM. The game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus and MASN.