Pregame: I spent the pregame looking for a hat I truly didn’t lose (don’t ask). Dinner was grilled chicken, some type of salad that had olives invading it, veggies and rice. I polished that off with four cookies. Oh… Richmond is playing Duquesne. I’m always screw up spelling Duquesne because I’m always tempted to switch the “s” and the “n”.
So the first update is going to encompass but the first two or three Media Timeouts because I was stuffing my face late. You know the whole imaginary lost hat thing.
But anyway, judging by the crowd, Richmond will have plenty of support tonight.
Both teams are off to hot starts offensively. Richmond is at 70% and Duquesne is at 60%. At one point Richmond was leading by 11 but their lead has been chopped down to just two, 21-19.
Just like that Richmond has pushed it back up to 10. Right now, the Dukes are interested in closing out of the shooter. Go figure.
Media Timeout (6:45 left) Richmond 29 Duquesne 19
Richmond’s dribble penetration is giving them any shot they want, when they want. Lead had pushed up to 12 but a free 3 pointer was given up by the Spiders defense.
Dukes have woken up. 7-0 run got it down to five. Hopefully the night session provides the excitement that the day session did.
How quick would both of these coaches upset with me if I asked was the game plan to let the opponent shoot as many open 3’s as possible?
Media Timeout (2:15) Richmond 38 Duquesne 33
The Spiders closed out the half strong. Took a shot from the Dukes but outscored them 6-0 in the last 2:43 to push the lead up to eight.
Halftime: Richmond 41 Duquesne 33
The half started off with a brick by Duquesne and shot clock violation by Richmond but it’s turned back into an up and down track meet. The Spiders have made three of their first four shots of the half. Duquesne has only made two of their first seven.
Media Timeout (15:45) Richmond 47 Duquesne 40
Don’t understand this. Golden spins baseline and gets caught behind the backboard. Then Duquesne doubles. He simply kicks it to the top and the ball rotates to an open Gilyard for three. Why double there? No need.
I didn’t know Richmond has a guy who sits behind the bench that holds up a sign that says “shot clock” when they get late in the shot clock.
Anyway this is getting ugly. The Spiders have pushed the lead up to 19 points. Don’t know if the Dukes have any fight left in them.
Media Timeout (7:35) Richmond 67 Duquesne 50
At least the Dukes got it within 11 with 2:40 left but that as close as it got as the Spiders cruised to a relatively easy victory.
Final: Richmond 81 Duquesne 68
