WASHINGTON — The University of Richmond Spiders defeated top-seed Davidson in Atlantic 10 Conference tournament finals on Sunday at Capital One Arena in Washington.
Not only did the win clinch the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament for the Spiders, but also the school's first NCAA Tournament berth in 11 years.
The game came down to the final moments with the Spiders holding on for the 64-62 victory.
Jacob Gilyard scored a game-high 26 points and Tyler Burton grabbed 12 rebounds to go along with 16 points to secure the Spiders win.
The #6-seed Spiders jumped out to an 11-2 lead, but Davidson closed that gap and led by one point at the half.
The Wildcats took the lead again, 41-39, with 12 minutes to go in the game.
Davidson held onto the advantage until the final 20 seconds when Spider forward Matt Grace was fouled making a field goal. He sunk the ensuing free throw giving Richmond a 63-62 lead.
Those three points were Grace's only points of the game.
Jacob Gilyard made one of two free throws with 3 seconds on the clock.
Davidson's Michael Jones missed a desperation three-point shot as the buzzer sounded.
The Spiders are making their 10th trip to the NCAAs, the first since making the Sweet 16 in that 2011 season.
With Davidson’s 27-6 record and resume, Richmond’s win likely knocked out a bubble team. Sam Mennenga scored 18 points for Davidson.
Spiders get a 12 seed and will take on Iowa on Thursday in Buffalo@SpiderMBB @SpiderAthletics @CBS6
— Lane Casadonte (@LaneCtvsports) March 13, 2022
🕷 heading to Buffalo to take on @IowaHoops! #OneRichmond #MarchMadness @SpiderAthletics @urichmond @A10MBB pic.twitter.com/fqdYYsUONX
— Richmond Basketball (@SpiderMBB) March 13, 2022
