Richmond played its closest game of the season Thursday after blowing out its first two opponents.
The Spiders defeated the Hampton Pirates, 68-58, in a physical game where the teams totaled 55 fouls. Richmond coach Chris Mooney credited the win to a strong and tough defense.
Hampton was able to frustrate the Spiders in the first half, which went back and forth, with the lead changing six times during the first 13 minutes. The game was tied at 20 with seven minutes left in the first half, and that's when Richmond took control, going on an 11-0 run.
Hampton cut the lead to six by halftime, 34-28, but Richmond never let go of the lead. The closest the Pirates got was down by three points, which happened five minutes into the second half.
Richmond extended its lead out to as high as 18, mostly because of Hampton fouls, which put the Spiders on the free throw line 17 times in the half; Richmond made 14 of those attempts.
Richmond guard Darien Brothers led all scorers for the third straight game, finishing with 19 points. Fellow guards Cedrick Lindsay and Kendall Anthony were the only other Spiders in double figures, finishing with 10 and 11 points, respectively.
Richmond forward Derrick Williams fouled out late in the second half. Williams should strive to showcase his athleticism and try not to get caught up in the game as a physical contest, Mooney said.
The Spiders will play its first road game of its season on Sunday against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, from the Big 10 conference.
"We're going to have to rebound and everyone is going to have to bring their A-game," Lindsay said. "We can't play like we did tonight."
The team needs to improve its offense and aim for more rhythm in Sunday's game, Mooney said.
Contact reporter Jenna Robinson at jenna.robinson@richmond.edu
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