(WRIC) — Richmond’s men’s basketball team saw its four-game winning streak snapped on the road at Texas Tech Tuesday, the Spiders final contest before tipping off conference play against St. Joe’s on Saturday.
Richmond had five different players score in double figures – led by ShawnDre’ Jones with 16 – but was plagued by foul trouble throughout as top scoring threats Terry Allen and T.J. Cline played just 20 and 24 minutes, respectively.
The Spiders also struggled matching the Red Raiders size and athleticism. Texas Tech out-rebounded Richmond 43-20 – 14 of which came on the offensive end – and scored a 16-6 advantage in second-chance points.
None of Richmond’s guards could match the size of Texas Tech point guard Devaugntah Williams (6-foot-4, 206 pounds), who scored a game-high 17 points. Norense Odiase (6-foot-9, 260 pounds) was a force down low as well, finishing with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Williams and Odiase each pulled down three of the Red Raiders’ 14 total offensive rebounds.
With Allen, Cline and 3-point threat Marshall Wood forced to the bench early in foul trouble, Texas Tech took advantage and quickly built a double-digit lead that grew to 18 three different times during the first half.
The Spiders would trim their deficit to as close as 10 late in the second half, but Texas Tech never let things get any closer than that.
“With the early foul trouble to our key contributors, I was proud of our guys for finding ways to score against such a big, athletic team in Texas Tech,” Richmond Head Coach Chris Mooney said after the game. “I liked the way our guys didn’t hang out heads and chipped away at the lead against a really good team, but we weren’t able to get enough stops down the stretch.”
The Red Raiders, winners of nine in a row, have bullied there way to double-digit victories in all six of their December contests to improve to 10-1 on the year. The Red Raiders, who have already received votes in both the AP and Coaches Top 25 polls, could finally crack one of them with a win over fellow Big 12 foe Texas on Saturday.
Four Spiders return home
For juniors ShawnDre’ Jones and T.J. Cline, senior Terry Allen and freshman Jesse Pistokache, Tuesday’s game in Lubbock was as close to a homecoming as either player has experienced during their respective collegiate careers. All four are Texas natives who were playing in their home state for the first time.
Jones (Houston) played exceptionally well in his return home, leading all Spiders with a team-high 16 points. The junior guard also knocked down a career-high five 3-pointers.
Allen, also of Houston, and Cline (Plano), saw their fewest minutes of the season due to foul trouble. Allen (13 pts) still managed to score in double figures for the 22nd time dating back to last year while Cline, who turned the ball over seven times, finished with 14 points on 5-10 shooting. Pistokache played four minutes and missed his only field goal attempt.
A-10 Opener
Richmond will look to get back on track when it hosts St. Joseph’s at 12:30 p.m. at the Robins Center for both team’s Atlantic 10 Conference opener. Still need tickets? Click here.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
