This was so close. The type of game where you will replay the final seconds in your mind time and time again. Richmond was on the verge of their first NIT “final Four’. In the end it came down to the free throw line and three point arc. The Spiders dropped a 68-67 heartbreaker to Mississippi State in a NIT quarterfinal Thursday at Denton, Texas. Richmond finished the campaign at 14-9.
Once again Richmond coach Chris Mooney was minus the services of Blake Francis and Grant Golden, both sidelined with injuries. The Spiders were led by Jacob Gilyard with 22 points. Gilyard shared game scoring honors with DJ Stewart of Mississippi State.
Richmond led by seven with just over five minutes remaining in the first half. A few defensive breakdowns, allowing the Bulldogs to dribble penetrate for a shot in the lane or kick out to the perimeter, were crucial. The score was knotted at 34 at intermission.
Richmond led most of the contest and was ahead by two with ten seconds remaining. Sal...
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