For the first time since March, the Richmond Spiders will take the floor tonight as they take on the North Carolina Central University Eagles (MEAC) in the home opener. Opening tip will be at 7:00 PM, and the game can be streamed via ESPN+. The Spiders are returning every member of the starting lineup except for the loss of Blake Francis. This will be the 1st ever meeting between these two schools. With fans being allowed back in the Robins Center this season, we can hopefully expect a good crowd on hand.
What to Watch For
This is one of the few games on Richmond’s schedule this season that have the true possibility of being a blow out. With a tough OOC schedule, the Spiders will need this game to tune up for a tough few months. Everyone’s eyes will be on Nick Sherod, as he makes his return after tearing his ACL just a year ago. He will poise a true long range threat for opposing defenses this season, and was a key factor in the Spiders success in 2019-2020. With Jacob Gilyard needing just under 30 steals this season, we can expect to see him causing all sorts of problems for the NCCU offense tonight. Another thing that I personally will be curious to see will be how Chris Mooney handles the rotation this year. With returners such as Djimon Bailey and Isaiah Wilson, we can anticipate seeing them playing a bigger role in tonight’s contest. Malcom Dread, Jason Nelson, Marcus Randolph, Liam Weaver, & Aiden Noyes will be suiting up for Richmond in their 1st collegiate game. In what is expected to be a blowout, it will be interesting to see if and how much these guys can contribute.
Prediction
Richmond should be able to get out of tonight with at least a 20+ point victory. The main thing that I want to see will be how the team chemistry carries over. With a group of veteran guys, Richmond already has a heavy advantage when compared to other teams across the country. My final score prediction is 84-62 with Nick Sherod shining in his return. Be sure to follow along Twitter at @AustinDaisey11 & @A10Talk. See you tonight Spider Nation!
