Exploring the Enchantment of the University of Richmond

AMHERST, Mass. — Confronting the league’s top team in offensive rebounding and the unofficial A-10 leader in physical play, the Richmond Spiders turned the tables to defeat the UMass Minutemen 72-64 in Amherst on Saturday. The Spiders restricted UMass to nine offensive rebounds (five less than their seasonal average) and seized 12 offensive boards of their own — their highest total in the last two years. Richmond also appeared to outpace the Minutemen in deflections, hustle plays, and loose balls recovered as the Spiders improved to 2-0 in the Atlantic 10 and 7-8 for the season.

“Facing UMass presents a significant challenge for us due to our reliance on skill,” stated Spider coach Chris Mooney. “Last year, we lost to UMass at home, and their physical aggression dominated that game. Today, we aimed to ensure that didn’t happen again.”

However, for the initial six minutes on Saturday, that was precisely the case. UMass took a 20-7 lead early, connecting on seven of their first 10 attempts from the field and prompting an early timeout for the Spiders with 14:04 on the clock.

“We issued a challenge to the players during the timeout,” said Mooney. “This is what the game entails. They’re going to be extremely aggressive. They excel at it. We must match that intensity.”

The Spiders responded by not only meeting the Minutemen’s aggression but surpassing it. Richmond tallied 20 of the next 27 points in the game to level the score with 4:36 remaining in the first half, subsequently taking their largest lead at that moment when a three-pointer by DeLonnie Hunt beat the buzzer to bring the score to 34-31 in favor of Richmond at halftime.

Hunt concluded the game with a team-leading 16 points, seven assists (tying a career high), and five steals, becoming the first Spider to record five or more steals in consecutive games since NCAA D-I career steals leader Jacob Gilyard accomplished this from Jan. 6-9, 2021.

“He embodies the heart and spirit of our team,” remarked Mooney about Hunt.

The Spiders maintained their momentum into the second half, starting the period with a 5-0 run and extending their lead to as much as 12 early in the frame. UMass fought back with seven consecutive points to trim Richmond’s lead to 56-53 with eight minutes left, but a three-pointer from Collin Tanner right after the under-8 media timeout increased UR’s margin. The Minutemen would never again come within a single possession as the Spiders improved to 10-3 in their last 13 meetings against UMass, breaking a six-game road losing streak.

“Securing a road victory in the Atlantic 10 is outstanding, and we’re very pleased with it,” said Mooney. “This group has demonstrated significant unity, although it hadn’t reflected on the court as much, and I believe it might be starting to show a bit more now. Our mindset was quite positive today. Competing against such a tough team that excels at their craft requires both physical and mental toughness, and I think we exhibited that today.”

Dusan Neskovic contributed 15 points for the Spiders, all during the second half. Mike Walz added 11 points, just one shy of his career high, and secured a game-best nine rebounds, following a game where he set a career high with 15 boards against George Washington.

“His mentality and determination to win have been evident in these recent games,” commented Mooney about Walz. “He’s vital to our team.”

Tanner chipped in with 10 points off the bench for his first double-digit performance since scoring 13 in a season-opening win against Mount Olive on Nov. 6.

Richmond stands at 2-0 in Atlantic 10 play for the second consecutive season and for the fifth time under Chris Mooney, joining the 2010-11, 2016-17, and 2019-20 seasons. The Spiders have recorded 3-1 in their last four games after a three-game losing streak.

“Numerous teams are working on blending together, and we feel like that’s taken us a bit of time,” noted Mooney regarding a roster that includes nine newcomers, marking his largest influx in 20 years at Richmond. “Nevertheless, our work ethic, commitment, and all those aspects have been remarkable.”

Richmond will return to the court Wednesday at 7 p.m. against George Mason at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Va. The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+.