Posted by xAC  12/27/2023 12:05 pm | #1 |
Next up: Richmond Spiders
Time: December 30, 2023; 12 PM (ET)
Venue: Charles E Smith Center - Washington, DC
2022-23 Record: 21-11 (8-6 in A10)
2024 Projection: 4th
Current Record: 10-3
OOC Record: 10-3
A10 Record: 0-0
Common OOC: American University (AU)
Last Time Out: 65-63 loss to GW in 2022-23 (at Richmond)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Opponent Summary: The Richmond Spiders meets GW at the Smith Center on Saturday afternoon to open the A10 season for both teams. Richmond closed out a successful OOC, finishing at 10-3. Their losses came at the hands of Duke, Villanova, and Michigan State. In their only common matchup with GW, the Spiders beat American University by 32 points in Richmond. Richmond is led by a talented pair of 6’2” frontcourt players. Addie Budnik and Maggie Doogan (both preseason all-A10 picks) are proficient inside/outside offensive players who average 11.5 ppg and 17.5 ppg, respectively. Budnik is also a tough defender who has blocked 25 shots to date. Grace Townsend (10.7 ppg and 2.9 apg) leads a strong backcourt, while Rachel Ullstrom comes off the bench to provide 11.1 ppg. As a team, the Spiders score 76.4 ppg, while shooting 47% from the field and 37.9% from distance.
About the game: With the possible exception of 24th ranked West Virginia (Massey), Richmond is the best team we’ll play so far this year. The Spiders currently rank 79th, which is 3rd best in the A10. They are experienced and feature a balanced attack with a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. Hopefully, GW will have everyone healthy, but even then, Richmond is a big challenge. The Revs have to significantly improve their offensive efficiency and bring their A-game defense in order to compete. Brown, Lok, and Robertson need to have good games and the bench has to make positive contributions. As a team, GW must minimize the number of empty offensive trips so as not to undermine our best defensive efforts.
The Revs currently rank 190th, which is only 12th best in the A10. This reflects a tough road ahead. Gaining confidence early in the conference schedule is essential in order to achieve a successful season. The matchup doesn’t look good on paper, so coaching is of paramount importance. Is GW WBB ready for prime time?
Last edited by xAC (12/27/2023 7:59 pm)
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Posted by xAC 12/30/2023 2:15 pm | #2 |
Final Result: Richmond pulls out a 70-66 win the A10 opener.
Richmond started off fast offensively as their overall height bothered the GW defense. GW recovered to trail by only 11-8 at the media timeout. With the defense dug in, GW held the Spiders to just 3 more points for the rest of the quarter after holding them scoreless for 6 minutes and taking a 19-14 lead into the second period. Robertson, who came off the bench, sparked the offense with 9 points. GW’s 2nd quarter woes continued as Richmond came out of the break fast to score the first 7 points. The Revs had no answers for Townsend, whose offensive surge led Richmond to a 31-27 lead. For the rest of the period, GW held their own, and managed to trail only 37-35 at the half. Townend had 22 points to lead the way for Richmond, while Robertson’s 15 points led GW. Richmond started to impose their size to start the 3rd quarter, scoring on multiple opportunities inside the lane. GW’s offense started to sputter, but got to the foul line to stay close at 48-41 with 5 minutes to go in the 3rd. GW played better in the latter stages of the quarter, but still trailed 54-48 going into the 4th. Despite more physical play by Richmond, GW battled back to take the lead 60-59 with 4:22 left to go in the game. The lead didn’t last, as some flawed offensive execution in the waning minutes sealed GW’s fate. Robertson finished with 25 points, followed by Innis with 14 points. Lok chipped in 12 points.
Credit Richmond for making clutch plays when they needed them. GW shortened their rotation considerably, with only 6 players getting significant minutes. Taiwo and Durant did a great job containing Doogan and Budnik. Richmond substituted frequently (with tall, long players) which took its toll on GW, and while Townsend exploded for 26 points, Hill made several clutch baskets inside to quell any GW runs. Although GW’s defense managed to limit the Spiders’ 3-point attempts, the inside was left open for numerous drives and inside baskets that gave Richmond a huge 42-24 advantage in points-in-the-paint.
GW was competitive, but they lacked the size to keep up with Richmond, and a 6-player rotation will not serve them well in a long A10 season. Next up is a road contest with St. Joe’s, arguably the best team the A10. Once again, the coaches have their work cut out for them.
Last edited by xAC (12/30/2023 5:03 pm)
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Posted by gwstudent2024 12/30/2023 4:29 pm | #3 |
https://gwradio.com/womens-basketball-drops-nail-biter-to-richmond-in-a10-opener/
Looked like a different team than we've seen for much of the year. Awful late game execution but I'm happy they were in it with a team like Richmond until the end
