Men's basketball scores 108 points in win against Stetson

Richmond men’s basketball handily beat Stetson to win its first game of the season on Sunday, scoring the most points by a Spider team since 1979.

TJ Cline led the way with 27 points on 11 of 16 shooting, including four 3-pointers, as Richmond coasted to a 108-85 victory that featured torrid shooting and little defense by both sides. The Spiders made almost half of their 31 3-pointers, shot almost 55 percent from the field as a team and out-rebounded the Hatters 45-32.

Shawndre’ Jones had 21 points on a hyper-efficient 8 of 10 from the field and dished out seven assists. Terry Allen added 15 points and seven rebounds for another strong game and Virginia Tech transfer Marshall Wood chipped in 17 points and nine rebounds coming off the bench.

The Hatters had six scorers in double figures and their offense improved dramatically in the second half, but they had already dug themselves into a 24-point hole by halftime. Cameron Harvey scored 17 points and was the only Stetson player with more than 12.

This win comes as a big relief for the Spiders, who suffered a deflating home loss to rival James Madison in Friday’s season opener, a game in which the Spiders were out-rebounded badly. Stetson is an easier matchup than most of Richmond’s scheduled opponents, but it was encouraging for the Spiders to win the rebounding battle.

The 108 points marks the most in a game for the Spiders since the 1979-1980 season when the Spiders routed Bluefield College 132-69.

Richmond’s next game, its first on the road this year, will likely be more difficult as the team travels to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest.

Contact sports assistant Walt Abrams at walter.abrams@richmond.edu