Massachusetts kept taking the ball inside. Darrius Garrett kept sending it back. The University of Richmond’s 6-9 sophomore set a school and Atlantic 10 Conference record with 14 blocks—two fewer than the NCAA record—as the Spiders won 70-63 last night in overtime. The volume of the Robins Center crowd of 4,019 grew with each rejection by Garrett, a resident of Atlanta who hasn’t started a college game.

What was supposed to be a confidence-builder heading into a difficult stretch turned out to be a near-nightmare for the University of Richmond. Winless Longwood outplayed the Spiders for about 30 minutes before falling 65-52 last night. The Lancers (0-5) led 48-39 with 9:30 left as 3,338 at the Robins Center wondered if they were witnessing one of the biggest wins in LU hoops history.

The University of Richmond overcame a sluggish first 30 minutes and defeated Longwood 65-52 last night at the Robins Center. UR (4-1) trailed by nine with 9:40 left but picked up its defensive intensity and rode the scoring of junior guard Kevin Anderson (22 points). The Lancers (0-5) outworked UR inside during the first 30 minutes. UR managed two field goals in about a 13-minute stretch that covered the last few minutes of the first half and several early in the second half. Longwood surged ahead and seemed to have control of the game before the Spiders’ defense intensified and Anderson started scoring.

The 3-on-2 drill, usually seen only in practices, made an extended appearance last night at the University of Richmond.

In 37 seasons at the Robins Center, the University of Richmond has beaten six nationally ranked teams. The Spiders get another chance tonight vs. No. 17 Xavier. Ranked teams beaten by UR at home: DateOpponentFinal Feb. 19, 1973No. 19 Virginia Tech94-93 Nov. 28, 1981No. 13 Wake Forest64-61
Nov. 29, 1986No. 6 Georgia Tech67-62

Coach Rick Majerus bends with hands on thighs, a linebacker’s pre-snap stance, as he observes his Saint Louis basketball team guarding opponents.