Late Surge Not Enough As Rams Fall to Richmond, 60-50

Photo Album

Rhody Starters:
Melendez, Boone, Thomas, Gaspar, Tabakman

Richmond Starters:
Powell, King, S. Bilney, Dannelly, R. Bilney

Rhody Leaders:
Points: Thomas (12)
Rebounds: Cloutier (7)
Assists: Cloutier (3)
Steals: Tabakman (2)
Blocked Shots: None
Minutes Played: Tabakman (30)

Richmond Leaders:
Points: King (14)
Rebounds: Wann (8)
Assists: S. Bilney (6)
Steals: S. Bilney (5)
Blocked Shots: S. Bilney (2)
Minutes Played: King (29)

How it Happened: 
Richmond (16-13, 6-7 A-10) established a 12-point lead in little more than six minutes en route to a 60-50 victory over Rhode Island Wednesday.

The Spiders led by as many as 25 points before a late surge by Rhode Island (6-22, 1-12 A-10) closed the gap to as little as eight points in the final minute. Over the final 7:37, the Rams outscored Richmond 24-9, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

The Spiders opened the game making seven of their first 11 shots, including a 3-pointer by Becca Wann that turned into a four-point play when she was fouled on the shot. The play established a double-digit lead that Richmond maintained for most of the game.

Inside the Box Score:

• Before the game, Rhode Island honored seniors Ajanae Boone and Lara Gaspar, both of whom were playing their final home games of their career.
• Freshman Samantha Tabakman scored 11 points. She also had five rebounds and two steals.
• Fellow freshman Brianna Thomas led the Rams with 12 points, all of which came in the second half.
• The teams combined to shoot 1-for-11 from beyond the arc in the first half. Rhode Island was 0-for-2 while Richmond was 1-for-9.
• The Rams' defense held Richmond scoreless for an 8:02 stretch that spanned both halves. The Spiders did not score in the final six minutes of the first half or the opening 2:02 after the break.
• Rhode Island's first field goal of the second half came on a jumper by Boone with 12:36 remaining in the game.  
• Rhode Island shot well from the free throw line, hitting 19-of-26 (73.1 percent).

What's Next:
Rhode Island plays its final game of the season at VCU Sunday, March 3. Game time is 2 p.m.