RICHMOND, Va. – The Old Dominion men’s basketball team (2-0) took down Richmond (1-1) at the Robins Center for the first time since Jan. 4, 1997, snapping a 10-game losing streak in the arena after defeating the Spiders 64-61 on Monday night. Ahmad Caver led three ODU players in double-figures with 13 points (4-6 FG and 2-4 3PT) to compliment seven rebounds and a team-high five assists.
Old Dominion started the contest on a 16-0 a run and held the Spiders scoreless for the opening seven minutes and 25 seconds. Richmond claimed its first lead of the contest at the 12:25 mark of the second half. A B.J. Stith dunk gave ODU a 60-59 advantage with 3:49 to play. With 45 seconds remaining and ODU leading 62-61, Denzell Taylor forced a Richmond turnover, which led to Brandan Stith hitting 1-2 from the free-throw line to take a 63-61 lead.
The Monarchs defense again would get a stop, before the Spiders fouled Zoran Talley, who connected on 1-2 from the charity stripe to give Old Dominion a 64-61 advantage with four seconds left. Richmond’s ShawnDre Jones’ last second three-point attempt was off, as ODU held onto a 64-61 victory on Monday night in Richmond, in the 57th all-time meeting between the two programs.
Also in double-figures for Old Dominion were Zoran Talley (12 points and four rebounds) and B.J. Stith (10 points and 2-3 3PT). Jordan Baker (four rebounds and three assists) and Trey Porter (4-6 FG and seven rebounds) each chipped in eight points. Denzell Taylor hauled down a game-high nine rebounds.
For the contest, ODU held advantages in rebounds (40-24), offensive rebounds (14-7) and bench points (21-9). Old Dominion connected on 50% (7-14) from three-point range for the game.
Richmond closed the first half on a 9-0 run over a 3:18 span, as the Monarchs would claim a 31-27 lead at the half. Seven Monarchs scored in the opening half, led by B.J. Stith’s eight. Old Dominion’s bench outscored the Richmond’s, 17-2, in a first half that the Spiders never led.
Old Dominion will be back in action for the prestigious Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. The Monarchs will take on No. 12 Louisville on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 9:30 p.m. EST on AXS TV. ODU will also play on Thursday, Nov. 24, as well as Friday, Nov. 25 against opponents TBD.
Also competing in this year’s Battle 4 Atlantis is a loaded field consisting of: No. 13 Michigan State, Baylor, LSU, VCU, Wichita State and St. John’s. Certain games will also be broadcasted on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU.
Don’t miss the action during Thanksgiving! Call 1-800-Atlantis or VISIT: www.Battle4Atlantis.com for more information!
SINGLE-GAME & SEASON TICKETS
Single-game and season tickets for Old Dominion University men’s basketball are on sale now at www.ynottix.com or by calling 757-683-4444. For group pricing (10+), please call Todd McKeating at 757-683-7087. All ODU students get in free all year long.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For a more in-depth look into the men’s basketball program, be sure to follow @ODUMBB on Twitter, ‘ODU Basketball’ on Facebook and odu_mbb on Instagram.