The University of Richmond succeeded without depending on the 3-point shot in last Saturday’s 78-68 win over Saint Joseph’s.
UR tried only 13 3-point attempts (making 6). “[That] was good because it means we were getting baskets in the lane, getting layups, so we were able to get some easy baskets for ourselves, which of course helps your defense and helps your confidence,” said Spiders coach Chris Mooney.
Richmond plays its final road of the regular season tomorrow at St. Louis (7-7 in the A-10, 17-11). The Spiders (3-11, 7-20), with five freshman regulars, have won two of their last four.
“What you run into now is as your understanding gets better and your knowledge gets better, then all of a sudden, you’re tired because you’re a little bit worn down from the season,” Mooney said.

The University of Richmond appears to have recently received an oral commitment from a 6-0 guard, Kevin Anderson, from Duluth, Ga.
That will help one Spiders’ issue: lack of a true point guard. Now UR coach Chris Mooney and his staff need a rebounder or two. The Spiders regularly have gotten beaten badly on the boards, and the problem runs deeper than just numbers.
As UR freshman center Dan Geriot said, opponents’ game plans seem to be “get the best shot you can, then just go after the ball.” Out of its matchup zone, Richmond has not been good at blocking out. That will be a huge concern tomorrow night at George Washington, which doesn’t have a dominant big man, but does have a bunch of long and bouncy forwards.
Against the last team UR played that very much wanted to push the tempo - Duquesne - the Spiders were able to limit their turnovers and get back on defense to reduce Dukes transition opportunities. That will again be significant tomorrow at GW.
“They get a lot of recognition on their athleticism and defense,” Mooney said of the Colonials. “I’m always real impressed on how they pass the ball and share the ball and how skillful those guys are.
“I hope we can play well enough to be competitive for the entire game.”
The trip to The Smith Center, GW’s home court, will be another learning experience for UR’s five freshmen. It’s relatively small - 5,000-seat capacity - but can be the loudest arena in the Atlantic 10 Conference when the students are motivated.

The University of Richmond men’s basketball team has dropped 18 of 20 since starting 3-0, but second-year coach Chris Mooney said Monday that he continues to see improvement, primarily among the five freshmen who regularly play.

The Spiders were losing fairly close games - until they played at Dayton on Jan. 20. UR fell behind 30-2, and that seemed to signal the start of a notable decline. The Spiders have been beaten soundly in most of their games since then and are getting crushed on the boards.
Lack of athleticism and strength hurts UR. Maybe its freshmen just hit the wall physically.

Look for UR’s Board of Trustees to address the on-campus stadium issue early next month. Nothing major. The City of Richmond and UR’s neighbors still have input coming. Look for an on-campus stadium by 2010, maybe 2009.

UR football recruiting focused on defensive backs and offensive linemen, the areas the Spiders will need to rebuild in the next couple of years. Spring ball starts March 14, with the spring game to be held April 7, at First Market Stadium.