Richmond loses in double overtime to GW

Despite a dreadful first half in which the Spiders managed only 17 points, Richmond rallied to force two overtimes, but ultimately lost on the road to the George Washington University Colonials on Thursday night.

After an improved second half, the Spiders brought the ball up with just seconds left in regulation, trailing by three. Kendall Anthony saw the George Washington defense converge on him to foul him, which would have sent him to the line for two free throws – not enough to tie the game. Anthony made a savvy play, heaving a desperation 3-point shot as he was fouled, earning himself three foul shots and a chance to tie.

He connected on all three attempts to send the game to overtime.

The Spiders set the pace in overtime by limiting the game mostly to the half-court, but the Colonials were able to trade field goals and the teams were still tied after one overtime period.

In the second overtime, however, George Washington overcame a small deficit with a timely 3-pointer and managed to make free throws down the stretch to hang on and win 73-70.

Kendall Anthony was the leading scorer for Richmond with 20 points despite shooting only 6-19 from the field and finding himself unable to establish a rhythm until late in the second half. TJ Cline had 16 points and six rebounds, spreading the floor with four 3-pointers, and Terry Allen added 14 points and six rebounds in addition to two steals and two blocks.

Kevin Larsen led the way for the Colonials with a well-rounded performance, totaling 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Larsen took advantage of Richmond’s lack of interior strength and rebounding ability, pushing his way around and imposing his will on the Spiders' big men. Kethan Savage and Joe McDonald each chipped in 13 points as well, and McDonald’s 3-pointer served as the turning point for the Colonials in the second overtime.

The Spiders held a huge advantage from 3-point range, shooting 9-22 compared to just 3-15 for the Colonials. Richmond also upheld its reputation as one of the most careful teams in the nation with the basketball, committing only 10 turnovers despite the two extra overtime periods.

The Spiders’ effort rebounding the ball was an entirely different story. Richmond managed only 21 rebounds compared to 38 for George Washington. The Spiders were equally horrendous rebounding both sides of the ball, allowing 12 Colonial offensive rebounds and securing only two themselves. Those offensive rebounds led to 19 second-chance points for George Washington and none for Richmond.

This loss to George Washington (13-4 overall, 3-1 in the conference) marks the sixth time in eight losses that the Spiders (9-8, 2-2) have lost by a margin of six or fewer points. Their inability to win close games could be a decisive factor as the season progresses and difficult conference opponents abound throughout the remainder of Richmond’s schedule.

Richmond’s next game is at home against Davidson on Saturday.

Contact reporter Walter Abrams at walter.abrams@richmond.edu