UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. — Genevieve Okoro posted her second-straight double-double as the Spiders survived La Salle, 74-70 Saturday.
Okoro finished with 21 points and 11 boards, marking her sixth double-double this season, eighth of her career. Okoro got half of her points at the line, as she went 11-for-13 from the charity stripe. Okoro also dished a career-high four assists.
After a late run in the first frame, Richmond pulled away for a 35-26 advantage at half. La Salle responded with an 8-0 run to open the half to put them within 35-34 with 18 minutes remaining. From there, neither team lead by more five points.
The game had its eighth tie at 59-59 after an Abby Oliver layup. Richmond’s next possession proved to be pivotal as Rachael Bilney made the ensuing jumper to put the Spiders ahead for good at 61-59 with 7:50 left.
La Salle nailed a three with 1:34 to put the game to within a Spider 70-67 lead, but it was again Bilney that answered the call. Bilney was fouled and sunk two free-throws to give Richmond breathing room at 72-67.
The score was tied eight times in the contest and leadswitched hands 12 times. The Spiders won their seventh-consecutive over theExplorers. The last two games have been decided by four and five points, respectively.
The nation’s second-leading free-throw shooting team sunk a season-high 27 free-throws led by Okoro’s 11 tosses.
The Spiders shot a season-high 56.4 percent from the field (22-of-39). Richmond outrebounded La Salle, 34-25. The Spiders outmuscled the Explorers 36-16 in the paint.
Richmond improved to 15-4, 3-2 while La Salle fell to 9-11, 3-2. Richmond’s 15-4 start is the team’s best since 2008-09 season. The 15 wins are also second-most in the A-10.
Richmond returns to road action at Dayton Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
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