Rich – WHAT? RICHMOND!
We’re 2 rounds through March Madness, folks, and down to 16 teams. We’ve seen our fair share of upsets and heartbreakers, but one team in my opinion stands out from the rest. It’s the University of Richmond Spiders.
Led by 4 outstanding senior starters, the basketball team from this prestigious liberal arts school of 4,000 students has galvanized the city of Richmond (along with VCU). These electric seniors joined Richmond a year after they had gone 8 – 22 in 2007.After 4 years on the upswing, the Spiders are back in the dance, and they’re making A LOT of noise.
Senior PG Kevin Anderson dropped 25 points against first-round opponent Vanderbilt, including a game icing fade away with 18 seconds left. Center Darrius Garrett was a beast off the bench, blocking 5 shots and hauling in 5 rebounds as the Spiders beat the Commodores 69 – 66.
After Morehead State got the nation’s attention with a ridiculous upset over Louisville, Richmond silenced them with a convincing 65 – 48 victory. Against Morehead State, senior forward Justin Harper led the Spiders with 19 points and 6 rebounds.
What’s so fun about Richmond is that they play an up-tempo, yet under control type of game. Their offense passes as well as anyone in the tournament, and they have plenty of playmakers. If they perform to their ability, don’t be too surprised if they knock off the Kansas Jayhawks in their Sweet-16 contest on Friday, March 25. The Spiders are the real deal, and they’ve come to play.
Justin Harper
