Men’s Basketball Drops Nail-Biter in Season Opener

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team opened the season on the road Friday evening as they traveled to #7 Sandhills Community College (NJCAA DIII) for a non-conference contest. After completion of the game, the Statesmen moved to 0-1 overall after falling 78-80, in the season opening nail-biter to the Flyers.

The Statesmen set the pace of the game, reaching a 12-point lead at one point in the opening half. Richard Bland held a 37-30 lead heading into the break over the Flyers, but Sandhills outscored the Statesmen by nin3, 41-50, in the second half, to hold on for the narrow, 78-80 non-conference victory.

Off the bench, Andy Ramirez led the way for Richard Bland going 13-20 from the field and 4-6 from the perimeter, totaling 30 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and one assist on the day. Stacy Byrd added had 12 points, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal, while Dove Fishburne had 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Jack Ticic tallied 10 points, five rebounds, and one assist, Doyle Brown had eight points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal, and Jalen Smith added seven points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block. Christian Chambers grabbed five rebounds for the Statesmen in the loss.

Richard Bland shot 45.2% from the field, 30.4% from the perimeter, and 71.4% from the charity stripe.

The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team next travels to Davidson-Davie Community College on Wednesday, November 6^th for a 7pm non-conference contest.