By Kyle Soppe
The Richmond Spiders continue to find ways to win. They have shown the balance of a team that can win on a regular basis, as well as the leadership it takes to keep each win in perspective. “Any given day from any given spot on the floor. We are tough to defend, and that’s true for the entire roster” stated a thrilled Coach Shafer. Led by Gen Okoro and Becca Wann, the Spiders have won an astounding 11 non conference games, and contiue to improve. UR overcame 20 points from reserve Kiara Fancisco to defeat the JMU Dukes 74-66 in Lehigh, PA. Turnovers have been a problem all year for Richmond, and while today wasn’t ideal (15 turnovers), they found each other more often (19 assists).
Frigid shooting from both teams dominated the early going. With neither squad playing in the comforts of home, adjust time was clearly needed. Ugly shooting (the teams combined to shoot an anemic 7/26) led to both teams focusing on getting the ball in the paint. For the Spiders, that meant pounding Gen Okoro and getting to the free throw line, where they are the nations top team.
Okoro, the Spiders most intimidating inside force despite being shorter than 80% of the Dukes, paced the Spiders on both ends of the court. She hauled in a bullet from Kristina King, and finished after being bumped by Nikki Newman. The three point play, combined with two free throws to begin the game, gave Okoro five early tallies, and Richmond a 7-4 advantage. On the defensive end, she fought underneath for position, and was a huge reason as to why the undersized Spiders kept pace on the glass. Her impact was not limited to strictly rebounding, as she gained position and took a charge. “You can’t teach what she has. She’s a freak athlete that is like nothing I’ve seen here at Richmond.”
Richmond led from the opening tip, but the lead was anything but comfortable. Their advantage never exceeded five, and with Oliver struggling from the field, Richmond seemed to be hanging on for dear life. But the veteran was able to impact the game as a distributor, the sign of a truly great player. Her adjustment began when she targeted King on a perfect 40 foot line drive, the first of her five first half dimes.
JMU was able to trim the lead when leading scorer (16ppg) Tarik Hislop cashed in on a wide open triple from straight on. The Spiders were far to slow to adjust as Hislop showed the neutral crowd an instant replay, and tied the contest at 20.
While the Dukes seemed to be gaining the momentum, Okoro was able to carry Richmond into the break even at 28. Newman’s strong play (four points, six rebounds, and one assist) was nullified by six points from Okoro down the stretch. While Okoro’s size is average at best, her elite athleticism gave JMU’s bigs fits all night long. During the games first 20 minutes, Richmond made more free throws (6) than JMU attempted (3). The Dukes won the battle of the three point line, making the only two treys of the first half.
Both teams made halftime adjusts, and the second half hardly resembled the first. Richmond opened the half with a full court 1-2-2 press, and dropped into a 2-3 zone in the halfcourt. This sped up the Dukes offense, and created a chaotic feel to an already sloppy game. Unfortunately for Richmond, however, there was one player unfazed by the pressure: Kiara Francisco. The 5’10” senior guard recorded a quiet eight first half tallies, and came out firing after the intermission. She pounded the paint with relentless intensity, and shredded the pressing Spiders. Over a four minute stretch, she scored eight of the Dukes 10 points, and kept them competitive. A layup in transition, followed by a strong put back and one, and Francisco, who averaged 3.8 ppg coming into the game, was on pace for a career night. But did I mention intensity? Stop me if you’ve heard what Richmond player’s name typically follows that adjective.
The one and only Becca Wann came off of the pine to spark the Spiders. Her never ending motor thrived in the game that was now an up and down affair. She replaced Keri Soppe early in the half, and on to score nine quick points. She displayed great touch around the rim, swishing home multiple floaters with the ease. She then took her act behind the three point line and gave UR a little breathing room after JMU cut the deficit to a single point. While Wann was getting hot, Oliver also found her rhythm. The 94% free throw shooter drove hard to the bucket, and earned her way to the line. As any great scorer will tell you, once you see the ball drop throw the net, the confidence begins to build. She made the two throws, and looked much better than the first half. She netted a mid range deuce, and then rained in a text book catch and shoot triple. With Richmond’s lead standing at 49-42, the youngest team in the A-10 had JMU where they wanted them.
Richmond opponents simply cannot count on coming from behind in the games final minutes. They make free throws better than any team in the nation, highlighted by three starters who shoot 93% or better. Abby Oliver leads the charge, only .002% behind NBA prospect and Duke Blue Devil Seth Curry from the line, but every Spider can more than handle their own at the charity stripe. Okoro, a 78% free throw shooter on the season, knocked down 11 of her 15 attempts, on her way to a career high 27 points. The mismatches her athleticism creates cannot be overstated, as she is able to catch the ball in a dangerous scoring position every trip down the court. She also snared 10 boards and handed out 3 assists.”I just try to help my team where they need me. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, whatever. As for the athleticism, I judge how athletic my opponents are. If I’ve got the advantage, I’m going to beat them down the floor and call for lobs. My teammates do a great job at finding me in a position to succeed.”
Becca Wann posted a third straight impressive performance, netting 17 points on only six shot attempts. Oliver finished with 14 points (12 in the second half) to go along with seven helpers and four rebounds. Despite the low scoring numbers from Oliver and Rachael Bilney (six points), when the “Big Three” were all on the floor, the Spiders were 13 points better than JMU, compared to five points worse when at least one of them was on the sidelines.
The victory moves Richmond to 11-2 on the season, with only one more game before A-10 conference play begins in January. Okoro assured me that the team is ready for the upcoming challenges: “We are really excited to be where we are and ready to compete.” They play the home team of this tournament, Lehigh, at 7:30 tomorrow night cap. “They’re a really big team. And playing on your home court is always huge. Two games in two days is tough, but this is conference play” Shafer said of the reigning Patriot League Champion.
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