Richmond Basketball: 3 takeaways from away upset victory over Kentucky

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 13: Grant Golden #33 of the Richmond Spiders reacts against the Fordham Rams in the second half during the first game of the Atlantic 10 2019 tournament at the Barclays Center on March 13, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Richmond Spiders defeated the Fordham Rams 52-50. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Richmond Basketball Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

#3: Senior experience and leadership

The Richmond Spiders are one of the best teams in the Atlantic 10 simply due to their experience. Four of the five Spiders’ starters are seniors. They were a huge contribution to their win against Kentucky Wildcats.

Nathan Cayo and Blake Francis each put up 18 points and led the Spiders in scoring. Nathan Cayo loves to drive and loves to post up in the paint. He played 36 minutes and went 8-for-13 from the field. Blake Francis played 39 minutes and contributed three three-pointers and went 6-for-19 from the field.

Although guard Jacob Gilyard didn’t have his best game, he contributed five steals and six assists. Gilyard was great dishing the rock and even made two behind-the-back flashy passes. He led the league in picking pockets last season. Gilyard is a special kind of player who can contribute on both sides of the ball. He will continue to be a huge asset for the Spiders going forward and lead this team into March.

Grant Golden is a unique big man who can score inside and outside of the paint. Golden put up 13 points and even had made a three-pointer. The 6-foot-10 forward grabbed five defensive rebounds and seven total rebounds. If he can stay out of foul trouble he will be a huge factor inside the paint for the Spiders.

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