Even if you weren’t here in person, surely you felt the swell of Spider Pride that rippled across social media last week after our Spiders beat VCU for the second time this season.  

The Rams came to the Robins Center for the continuation of the Capital City Classic, which turned an ordinary Wednesday night into a rivalry game for the ages.

The Spiders got off to a hot start, leading 8-0 in the opening minutes of the game, but a scoring draught helped the Rams trim the lead to within one by the 12-minute mark. The first half of play would continue in a back-and-forth resulting in a 41-41 tie. 

After the half, VCU went on a 17-4 run, leaving us trailing by as much as 12 — but we know that Spiders are a determined bunch who don’t back down when faced with adversity. And that was just the case for the dynamic duo of freshman and sophomore guards Jacob Gilyard and Nick Sherod. 

The backcourt pair put the pressure on — both defensively and offensively — ultimately trimming the Ram lead to just five with less than four minutes remaining. After a VCU free throw, Sherod continued to trade baskets with the Rams, bringing Richmond to within four with 1:36 to play.

And with 35 seconds left, Sherod made his ninth field goal of the night to bring the VCU lead down to just two. Out of nowhere Gilyard stole the ball during the Rams’ subsequent inbound pass attempt, tying the game with 31 seconds remaining. It would be redshirt junior Kwhan Fore who would make the game-winning free throw, resulting in a 77–76 Spider victory.

The Robins Center was on fire and we know you were there with us in Spider spirit. Go Spiders!