Richmond seeking first 4-0 start since 1985-86
Richmond is looking to bring back a flash from the past tonight at the Robins Center. The Spiders have not started a season 4-0 in 34 years, but they have an opportunity tonight vs the 2-4 Cowboys from McNeese State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 and the game will stream on ESPN+. Richmond is coming off of a blowout victory this past Sunday, where they dismantled CSU-Northridge. Richmond currently is shooting 42.5% from 3pt range, which ranks them 16th nationally, while also 56.6% from inside the arc (35th in the nation). This offense is something special, and they will have another chance to put up another amazing display. The Spiders haven’t scored lower than 90 points this season, and with Grant Golden finding his game and recording a double double last Sunday, the Spiders would love to see this kind of production continue from the junior. Jacob Gilyard is coming off of back to back A-10 Co-Player of the Week awards, so he will also be looking to stay hot. Blake Francis has had a few extra days of no gameplay to nurse his hyper-extended left knee, so all signs are pointing up for him.
Who is McNeese State?
Per Kenpom, 33.3% of their scoring comes from beyond the 3 point line, ranking them 118th in the nation. 48.6% of the Cowboys offense comes from inside the arc which ranks 231st nationally. The Spiders put on a deep range clinic this past Sunday, where they shot 15-30 from long distance. If the Spiders continue to shoot well, this game could be just like their victory over the Matadors. McNeese State is lead by their 6’8″ sophomore Forward, Sha’markus Kennedy, where he is almost averaging a double double per contest this season. With 17.8 ppg and 9.3 rebounds per game, he should be the focus from the Spider defense. The scoring doesn’t just stop at Kennedy, as they are also getting good numbers from sophomore guard Dru Kuxhausen. Dru is averaging 16.2 ppg and likes to launch the deep ball. Kuxhausen is currently 26-53 from 3 point land through 6 games for the Cowboys. Mooney’s squad will need solid interior and perimeter defense if they want to get off to a 4-0 start on the year.
Prediction
Richmond will prevail in this one, but it won’t be by a huge amount of points. The Spiders will have to continue to shoot well, and Grant Golden will need to be big for Richmond on the glass. The Spiders defense could also use a boost. If Richmond can execute here, it will be another victory for them on this young season. My final score prediction is Richmond 87 McNeese State 71. Be sure to follow tonight’s game on www.a10talk.com on our forums, as well as on Twitter @A10Talk, where I will be there providing live in-game updates. See you tonight Spider Nation!