Richmond entered the college basketball season without the considerable national attention surrounding several other Atlantic 10 programs, but the Spiders have already provided reasons for that to change. Chris Mooney's team has opened 3-0 with victories over UNC Asheville, Southern Virginia and Temple, winning each contest by at least 20 points. According to Richmond Athletics, the program has accomplished that feat only once previously, during the opening stretch of the 1953 season.
The Spiders will attempt to continue their impressive start Thursday when they travel to Southern Illinois. Richmond defeated Temple 79-53 in its most recent appearance, holding the Owls to less than 30% shooting while controlling the rebounding battle. Although the Spiders' early schedule has included a non-Division I opponent, their dominant performance against Temple provided encouraging evidence that their offensive and defensive production can translate against stronger competition.
Leaving Philly with a W. #OneRichmond pic.twitter.com/qi6yEvvyxD
— Richmond Basketball (@SpiderMBB) November 9, 2026
Richmond's offensive efficiency has been remarkable
The Spiders are averaging 95.3 points while shooting 57.3% from the field and 49.3% from three-point range. Those percentages will almost certainly decline as the schedule becomes more demanding, but Richmond's ball movement provides reason to believe its offensive success can remain sustainable. The Spiders have recorded 73 assists on 110 made field goals, demonstrating an ability to create scoring opportunities through collective execution.
Dominick Stewart leads Richmond with 17 points per game while shooting 69.2% from the field. Jamie Kaiser Jr. is averaging 15.7 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Andrew Ball has contributed 11.7 points per game off the bench. Their efficiency has allowed the Spiders to generate substantial scoring without relying exclusively on one offensive centerpiece.
Senior Derin Saran has also emerged as an important contributor, recording 21 assists against only two turnovers through three games. He added 10 points and a career-high 12 rebounds against Temple, demonstrating his ability to influence games beyond distributing the basketball. His decision-making could become particularly valuable as Richmond encounters more difficult defensive opponents.
Southern Illinois provides an interesting examination
The Salukis enter Thursday at 1-1 after defeating Maryville before suffering a 100-93 loss at Kansas City. Jalen Haynes scored 32 points during that defeat, while freshman Jeremiah Jackson earned Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week honors after averaging 14 points during Southern Illinois' first two games. Both players provide reasons for optimism despite the disappointing result.
Richmond defeated Southern Illinois 93-84 in overtime last December, overcoming a second-half deficit before controlling the extra period. Thursday's game provides the Salukis with an opportunity to avenge that defeat while giving Richmond its first true road assignment of the season.
The Spiders were selected ninth in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, leaving considerable room to exceed expectations. Three victories do not establish championship credentials, but Richmond's historic opening stretch deserves attention. A victory in Carbondale would provide another indication that Mooney's team could become one of the conference's more interesting surprises.
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