VIDEO: UMW's 23 Three Pointers
The fifteenth-ranked University of Mary Washington men's basketball team sank a school-record 23 three pointers, and six players reached double figures as the Eagles defeated Southern Virginia University, 113-79, on Thursday night at the William M. Anderson Center. The Eagles improve to 14-2 on the season.
The two teams put on a shooting display seldom seen in college basketball in the first half, as the Eagles drained 17-32 three pointers en route to 69 first-half points, and the Knights, who trailed by 31 at intermission, shot 61.5% from the field, going 6-8 from long distance.
The Eagles sputtered in the opening minutes against the agressive Knights, missing four of their first five three point attempts, and trailed, 12-9, with 15:51 remaining in the first half. But then, UMW made seven long-range shots in nine attempts to up the lead to 30-12 with a 21-0 run over 3:30 of game play.
UMW would connect for nine more three pointers in the first half, making 17-32 in the frame, and led 69-38 at intermission. The Eagles outscored the guests 51-15 after falling behind 12-9. UMW also capitalized on 17 first half turnovers, scoring 27 points off turnovers while committing just three miscues with the ball.
The Knights cooled in the second half, but scored 41, and shot 49.1% for the game. The Eagles shot 47% in the second half to end at 51.2% for the game (42-82), going 23-51 from long distance.
Senior guard Braldey Riester led the Eagles with 20 points, four assists, and three steals, leading six Eagles in double figures. Senior guard Dom Morra scored 19 points and added nine assists and six steals without a turnover, Dajon Daniel netted 18 points, and Taylor Johnson scored 16 points with nine rebounds. Senior Dylan Farinet and freshman Asa Scott each scored 11 for the Eagles.
UMW's 113 points were the most scored in a game since 2007-08, when the Eagles defeated Gallaudet University with 115 points, and is third-most in a regulation game in school history. The school record of 119 was set in 1983.
With their 14th win of the year, the Eagles clinch their 12th winning season in the past 13 years.
UMW will visit York College of Pa. on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Capital Athletic Conference action.