Jones leads Spiders over Duquesne

Richmond opened its game against Duquesne on a 23-6 run, including a 13-1 streak, and never surrendered its double-digit lead in its blowout win Wednesday night.

Richmond (11-9, 4-3) shot 53.6 percent from the field and hit 13 3-pointers in its 86-55 win over the Dukes. ShawnDre’ Jones led all scorers with 27 points, and Kendall Anthony chipped in 16 points in a game where the Spiders settled the outcome in the first half.

The Spiders shot 60 percent from the field in the first half, including 9-17 from 3-point range, as Richmond carried a 49-27 lead into the break.

Four Spiders scored at least seven first-half points, but Jones’ 18 points led the way. As part of Richmond’s early offensive run, Jones, who hit four threes in the first 20 minutes, scored 10 consecutive Richmond points after checking into the game for the first time.

Jones easily picked up his team’s momentum when he checked in, since the Spiders were already shooting well, Jones said.

“I just tried to fall into the rhythm the team already had,” Jones said.

T.J. Cline, who finished with seven points, seven assists and six rebounds, was often the focal point of Richmond’s offense, playing as a target in the high post against the Dukes’ 2-3 zone.

Richmond head coach Chris Mooney, who said Richmond had attacked the zone as well as a team could have, complimented Cline’s hands and vision, which are two crucial skills for a player who plays in the high post against a zone.

“We are very confident throwing him the ball because he’s a big target,” Mooney said. “He has great hands, but he also has a great sense of where the next open player is. To have that from your center is unique. I think we need to take advantage of that as much as we can.”

Cline had six of Richmond’s 13 first-half assists. The Spiders assisted on 20 of its 30 field goals for the game.

Richmond’s offensive explosion was not a great surprise, given Duquesne (6-13, 1-7) has one of the league’s worst defenses. The Dukes' 74 points allowed per game is second to last in the Atlantic 10, and their adjusted defensive efficiency ranks at 335^th nationally, according to Kenpom.com.

Richmond opened the second half with Kendall Anthony's 3-pointer and Terry Allen's fast-break dunk, extending its lead to 54-27 and ruining any chance of a comeback from Duquesne.

For much of the second half, Richmond’s lead hovered around 30 points, and it never slipped below 20.

In the game’s later stages, Mooney went deep into his bench, giving less-experienced Spiders playing time and resting his starters. The largest roar from the crowd came when walk-on Zach Chu drilled a late 3-pointer.

Richmond will head to the Siegel Center Saturday afternoon to face no. 14 Virginia Commonwealth University. The Rams (17-3, 7-0) will bring a 12-game winning streak into Saturday’s rivalry game and will be looking to win its fifth straight game against the Spiders.