Dukes knock off Richmond

Duquesne beat Richmond 81-72 tonight in the third annual Chuck Cooper Classic.

Remarkably, that’s the first time since the Spiders joined the Atlantic 10.

Richmond had won 14 straight since the 2001-02 season.

Quick recap:

Duquesne snapped a 14-game losing streak against Richmond Saturday night beating the Spiders 81-72 in the Chuck Cooper Classic at the A.J. Palumbo Center.

Duquesne dominated the boards 39-31, shot 46.8 percent and found a way to shut down the Spiders’ holding them to two field goals in a stretch of 12 minutes to start the second half.

The win ups the Dukes record to 14-9, 5-4 in the Atlantic 10. Richmond dropped to 12-12, 3-6.

Of Note:

The game was an official sellout at the A.J. Palumbo Center, with 4,481 in the stands.

Five players scored in double digits for Duquesne: Eric Evans (17), Jerry Jones (14), Sean Johnson (14), T.J. McConnell (13), and B.J. Monteiro (10).

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Quotes:

Ron Everhart:

“I think first of all it’s obviously a great feeling to come away with having a win here in honor of Chuck Cooper, a game on national television. It was a special night for all of us and all of Duquesne fans. I was really happy with our guys effort.”

“We just seemed to find a way tonight. I thought our guys collectively did a good job. Everyone who played made a play that helped us win that game. I’m very proud of where our guys are right now mentally.”

On Richmond’s late run:

“Our execution was good for the first 38 minutes maybe. We didn’t finish it the right way and make free throws. When you play a team like Richmond that’s that good they’re going to do things that bother you.”

“It felt real good to beat them. Since I’ve been here they’ve always been a good team. They’re a good team. Tonight we came out strong at the beginning of the game, able to hit the shots and force turnovers.”